Real exchange rate and relative profit margins: Evidence from non-linear ARDL models for Mexico

While many studies have documented the positive effect the real exchange rate (RER) can have on the rate of economic growth in developing countries, the channels of this effect are not yet well understood. The paper contributes to this literature by studying the pass-through of the RER into aggregate relative profit margins in the manufacturing and whole tradables sectors with respect to non-tradables in Mexico during the period 1990–2017. Based on estimates from non-linear error-correction ARDL models, the paper shows the RER affects relative profit margins asymmetrically – with larger reductions after appreciations than increases after depreciations – and that this asymmetry comes from the asymmetric adjustment of both relative costs and to lower extent relative prices. The results support the hypothesis of an RER’s tradables-led economic growth channel and help explain why the RER may affect capital accumulation asymmetrically, with stronger negative effects from appreciations than the positive effects of depreciations, as reported in recent research on Mexico.