Exchange Rate and Utilization of Free Trade Agreements: Focus on rules of origin

Kazunobu Hayakawa, Han-Sung Kim and Taiyo Yoshimi

Discussion papers from Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI)

Abstract: This paper investigates how exchange rates affect the utilization of a free trade agreement (FTA) scheme considering the importance of rules of origin (RoOs). Exchange rates affect exporters' compliance with RoOs by changing the so-called value-added ratio, which is defined as [1 - (Non-originating input price / Export product price)]. We present theoretical underpinnings on this potential linkage with a model of pricing-to-market and provide an empirical examination using rich tariff-line-level data on the utilization of FTA schemes in Korea's imports from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The theoretical framework proposes that a depreciation of exporters' currency against importers' currency enhances FTA utilization by improving the value-added ratio, and such effects are stronger for products with higher demand elasticity. We also show strong empirical support for our theoretical predictions.

Pages: 28 pages
Date: 2017-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-int and nep-sea
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Journal Article: Exchange rate and utilization of free trade agreements: Focus on rules of origin (2017)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eti:dpaper:17007

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