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Misaligned currencies and economic growth: The role of global value chains

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  • Chen, Shiu-Sheng
  • Huang, Yao-Ting
  • Lin, Tzu-Yu

Abstract

We investigate the impact of global value chain (GVC) participation on the relationship between real exchange rate misalignment and economic growth. Employing a panel framework encompassing 183 countries from 1990 to 2019, we find that an undervalued real exchange rate is associated with higher economic growth. However, our analysis also reveals that increased GVC participation diminishes the positive effect of undervaluation on economic growth with moderate statistical significance. Consequently, the potential competitiveness gains from an undervalued currency might be offset by deeper integration into global production networks. It is worth noting that the empirical findings are most prominent for advanced economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Shiu-Sheng & Huang, Yao-Ting & Lin, Tzu-Yu, 2025. "Misaligned currencies and economic growth: The role of global value chains," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jimfin:v:151:y:2025:i:c:s0261560624002390
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jimonfin.2024.103252
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Global value chains; Undervaluation; Economic growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O24 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Trade Policy; Factor Movement; Foreign Exchange Policy
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • F63 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Economic Development

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