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Rethinking the Twin Deficits

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  • Constantine, Collin

Abstract

This article reexamines the thesis that fiscal deficits cause trade deficits and challenges this explanation of the twin deficits with the following propositions. Differences in competitiveness among nations do not lead to balanced trade. Using a Eurozone case study, the article discusses the nexus between competitiveness and the trade balance. Secondly, the author proposes that causality runs from trade deficits to fiscal deficits when the free trade-balanced trade theory is overthrown, and finally, the article overturns the argument that austerity works.

Suggested Citation

  • Constantine, Collin, 2014. "Rethinking the Twin Deficits," MPRA Paper 58798, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:58798
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Shruti Shastri & A. K. Giri & Geetilaxmi Mohapatra, 2017. "Assessing the Triple Deficit Hypothesis for Major South Asian Countries: A Panel Data Analysis," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 7(4), pages 292-299.
    3. Dausà, Neus & Stracca, Livio, 2023. "The asymmetric adjustment of global imbalances: myth or fact?," Working Paper Series 2777, European Central Bank.
    4. Dayra Garrido-Tejada & Sergio Restrepo-Ángel & Hernán Rincón-Castro, 2021. "Déficit gemelos en Colombia: ¿existen? ¿Qué causa qué? ¿Cuál es el grado de impacto?," Borradores de Economia 1186, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    5. Yusuf Ekrem Akbaş & Fuat Lebe, 2016. "Current Account Deficit, Budget Deficit and Savings Gap: Is the Twin or Triplet Deficit Hypothesis Valid in G7 Countries?," Prague Economic Papers, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2016(3), pages 271-286.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    twin deficits; competitiveness; free trade; Eurozone; austerity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F32 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Current Account Adjustment; Short-term Capital Movements
    • F34 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Lending and Debt Problems
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics

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