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Understanding the Dynamic Effects of Government Spending on Foreign Trade

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  • Gernot J. Mueller

Abstract

In order to understand the dynamic effects of government spending on foreign trade the present paper proceeds in two steps. First, using U.S. time series data for the post-Bretton-Woods period, the dynamic effects of government spending are investigated within a structural Vector Autoregression framework: the nominal exchange rate is found to depreciate, the terms of trade to appreciate and the trade balance to increase significantly after a temporary increase in government spending. In a second step, a New-Keynesian general equilibrium model is used to rationalize these effects. Two findings emerge: i) a low elasticity of substitution between home and foreign goods is necessary for the trade balance to improve after an increase in public spending. ii) an accommodating monetary policy is found to dampen the effects of government spending on foreign trade.

Suggested Citation

  • Gernot J. Mueller, 2004. "Understanding the Dynamic Effects of Government Spending on Foreign Trade," Economics Working Papers ECO2004/27, European University Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:eui:euiwps:eco2004/27
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Government Spending; Exchange Rate; Trade Balance; Terms of Trade; Policy Interaction;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • F42 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Policy Coordination and Transmission

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