Non-linear effects of three core mineral resources, energy uncertainty, and inclusive digitalization on economic growth: A comparative analysis of US and China

Abstract

This study examines the asymmetric effects of mineral resources (oil, coal, and gas), digitalization, and energy uncertainty on economic growth in China and the USA. Using quarterly data from 2000 to 2022, we employ the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model to analyze these relationships. The study begins by conducting unit root tests, cointegration analysis, and asymmetry tests to establish robust connections between the variables. The long- and short-run results confirm the presence of asymmetry, as positive and negative shocks in oil rents, digitalization, and energy uncertainty affect economic growth differently. Notably, positive shocks in oil rents and digitalization favour economic growth, indicating that increases in oil rents and digital inclusion contribute to economic development. Conversely, positive shocks in energy uncertainty tend to reduce economic growth. Interestingly, the findings for China and the USA show similar asymmetric patterns; coal and natural gas rents positively influence economic growth, while the control variables suggest that capital and labour increase contribute to both countries' development. The error correction terms, 0.731 (73.1%) for China and 0.625 (62.5%) for the USA, indicate the annual rate at which asymmetric discrepancies are corrected. All diagnostic tests confirm the suitability of the NARDL model for this study. Finally, the study reveals significant bi-directional causality among all pairs of variables.