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Exchange Controls As A Fiscal Instrument

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  • Stephanie Schmitt-Grohé
  • Martín Uribe

Abstract

About 20 percent of countries have in place dual, multiple, or parallel exchange rates. Exchange controls represent a form of distortionary commercial policy. We show that they can also deflate the real value of external public debt. We study an optimal taxation problem of a government with chronic fiscal deficits and two distortionary instruments, money creation and exchange controls. We calibrate the model to Argentina, which over the past decade has experienced significant exchange controls and persistent fiscal deficits. We show that exchange controls can generate sizable fiscal revenue. However, the optimal level of exchange controls is virtually zero. Financing the fiscal deficit with exchange controls is possible but entails large welfare losses.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephanie Schmitt-Grohé & Martín Uribe, 2023. "Exchange Controls As A Fiscal Instrument," NBER Working Papers 31294, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31294
    Note: EFG IFM ME
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    JEL classification:

    • E5 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit
    • E63 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Stabilization; Treasury Policy
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics

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