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Exchange Rate Transmission and Export Activity at the Firm Level

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Abstract

This paper analyses how exchange rate shocks are transmitted at the firm level and establishes a nexus to firm-level export activity. Using precise survey data from a sample of Swiss firms, I find that an appreciation increases the probability of a decrease in firm-level costs, prices and profits. Exchange rate movements are passed through to import prices, absorbed in firm selling prices and lead to adjustments in firm profits. The pattern is non-linear across firms with a varying degree of international exposure. The likelihood of adjustments is increasing in firm-level export share in total turnover. I also show that exchange rate variability affects adjustment probabilities. The analysis suggests that Swiss firms take prices as given. Exchange rate shocks are absorbed through a reduction in both costs and prices, however, these adjustments are not proportional such that overall profits decline during appreciation periods.

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  • Andrea Lassmann, 2013. "Exchange Rate Transmission and Export Activity at the Firm Level," KOF Working papers 13-331, KOF Swiss Economic Institute, ETH Zurich.
    • Handle: RePEc:kof:wpskof:13-331
    DOI: 10.3929/ethz-a-007623291
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    Cited by:

    1. Tunc, Cengiz & Solakoglu, M. Nihat, 2017. "Not all firms react the same to exchange rate volatility? A firm level study," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 417-430.
    2. Ledenyov, Dimitri O. & Ledenyov, Viktor O., 2015. "Wave function method to forecast foreign currencies exchange rates at ultra high frequency electronic trading in foreign currencies exchange markets," MPRA Paper 67470, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Dario Fauceglia & Andrea Lassmann & Anirudh Shingal & Martin Wermelinger, 2018. "Backward participation in global value chains and exchange rate driven adjustments of Swiss exports," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 154(3), pages 537-584, August.
    4. Dario Fauceglia, 2020. "Exchange rate fluctuations and quality composition of exports: Evidence from Swiss product‐level data," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(6), pages 1592-1618, June.
    5. Peter H. Egger & Johannes Schwarzer & Anirudh Shingal, 2018. "Labour market effects of currency appreciation: The case of Switzerland," RSCAS Working Papers 2018/30, European University Institute.

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    Keywords

    Exchange rate; Exchange rate pass-through; Market structure; Firm-level data; Costs; Local prices; Profits; Exports;
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