Currency Shocks and Dynamics of Trade Flows in the Euro Area: Evidence from Quarterly and Monthly Data

Abstract

This work examines euro area's trade flows over the last two decades, taking jointly into account their long-run determinants and short-run dynamics. This framework builds on a reinterpretation of the long-run structural vector autoregressive approach, drawing from both economic theory and econometric analysis. Generalized impulse response functions are employed to assess the effects of a real exchange rate shock on the trade balance, using different model specifications and frequencies of data. The main findings are: i) euro-area's trade flows are determined in the long-run by non-price competitiveness factors; ii) short-run adjustments follow an S-pattern; iii) a real devaluation produces detrimental effects on the trade balance.