Discussion Paper
No. 2012-39 | August 20, 2012
Rim Khemiri and Mohamed Sami Ben Ali
Exchange Rate Pass-Through and Inflation Dynamics in Tunisia: A Markov-Switching Approach

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of exchange rate pass-through on inflation in Tunisia over the period 2001–2009. The authors’ objective is to track inflation regimes for the Tunisian economy and to forecast its determinants. Using a Markov-switching approach, the authors identified two main regimes for inflation in Tunisia over this period: a low and stable inflation regime associated with a low pass-through level, and a high inflation regime associated with a high pass-through level. In order to highlight the mechanisms underlying shifts in inflation regimes, the authors used a time-varying probabilities approach and identified a set of variables to assess their effect on inflation in Tunisia. The results show that the price level decreases in response to an increase in interest rates. Along with this, the empirical results provide strong evidence that industrial production indices have a negative and significant effect in increasing the probability to stay in an inflationary regime and a high pass-through level. In addition, the results show robust supports to suggest that the imports increase the probability to stay in a high inflation regime and a high pass-through level. However, exports increase the probability to stay in a low inflation regime and a low pass-through level. 

JEL Classification:

F3, F4, G15

Links

Cite As

[Please cite the corresponding journal article] Rim Khemiri and Mohamed Sami Ben Ali (2012). Exchange Rate Pass-Through and Inflation Dynamics in Tunisia: A Markov-Switching Approach. Economics Discussion Papers, No 2012-39, Kiel Institute for the World Economy. http://www.economics-ejournal.org/economics/discussionpapers/2012-39


Comments and Questions



Anonymous - Exogeneity
September 24, 2012 - 13:46
I'm not sure if there isn't a problem in this paper with the exogeneity of some of the explanatory variables (exchange rate causing RHS variables).

Anonymous - Referee Report 1
September 25, 2012 - 11:40
See attached file

Anonymous - Referee Report 2
October 01, 2012 - 11:04
See attached file

Mohamed Sami Ben Ali - Reply to Referee Reports
October 02, 2013 - 12:43
See attached file