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FDI inflows and trade imbalances: evidence from developing Asia

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  • Thi Anh-Dao Tran
  • Thi Thanh Binh Dinh

Abstract

The present paper examines the effects of FDI inflows on external imbalances in the developing and transition countries in Asia during the period 1991-2011. To this end, we extend the conventional trade balance model by reformulating the determinants of exports and imports. Our empirical findings suggest that current FDI inflows increase trade deficits, leading to negative consequences for the host country’s macroeconomic stability. However, the coefficient estimated becomes negative when we lag the FDI variable, implying that FDI inflows worsen the trade balance first and then improve it. We also find that a real depreciation tends to worsen trade balances because the usual Marshall-Lerner constraint is magnified by the import content of exports. Lastly, higher domestic absorption and larger productive capacity in the manufacturing sector improve the trade balance. Thelatter result supports the export-investment nexus, one of the most distinctive features of Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Thi Anh-Dao Tran & Thi Thanh Binh Dinh, 2014. "FDI inflows and trade imbalances: evidence from developing Asia," European Journal of Comparative Economics, Cattaneo University (LIUC), vol. 11(1), pages 147-169, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:liu:liucej:v:11:y:2014:i:1:p:147-169
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    Cited by:

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    3. Ilgaz Arikan & Asli M. Arikan & Oded Shenkar, 2020. "Nation‐dyadic history and cross‐border corporate deals: Role of conflict, trade, generational distance, and professional education," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(3), pages 422-466, March.
    4. Ho, Sy-Hoa & Nguyen, Trung-Thanh & To-The, Nguyen, 2020. "Asymmetry and Symmetry of real exchange rate effect on the bilateral trade balance between Vietnam and the United States: aggregated and disaggregated levels of investigation," MPRA Paper 98416, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    6. Mubasher Iqbal & Rukshana Kalim & Noman Arshed, 2019. "Domestic and Foreign Incomes and Trade Balance - A Case of South Asian Economies," Asian Development Policy Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 7(4), pages 355-368, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    FDI; export-led growth; trade imbalance; developing Asia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East

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