An Empirical Analysis of Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Prices in South Africa (2002-2016)

  • Harris Maduku Department of Economics, University of Zululand, KwaDlagenzwa
  • Irrshad Kaseeram Department of Economics, University of Zululand, KwaDlagenzwa
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v10i5(J).2508
Keywords: Inflation Targeting, Exchange Rate Pass-Through, Recursive, Monetary policy

Abstract

South Africa is currently running inflation targeting monetary policy since the year 2000 solely to achieve price stability. However, the persistent depreciation of the rand is making keeping inflation within the stipulated band very cumbersome. The objective of this paper is to find the duration taken by price indices to respond to exchange rate fluctuations. A Recursive VAR was used to investigate exchange rate passthrough (ERPT) to tradable prices in South Africa. Using monthly data, we find producer prices contributing highly to inflation with an average of 22% of fluctuations passed to prices. Large and persistent ERPT, especially on import and producer prices accompanied by high wage demands and a depreciating currency, are worrying factors for South Africa. Policy makers are advised to consider targeting the exchange rate if inflation is to be kept under control

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References

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Published
2018-11-03
How to Cite
Maduku, H., & Kaseeram, I. (2018). An Empirical Analysis of Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Prices in South Africa (2002-2016). Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 10(5(J), 187-194. https://doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v10i5(J).2508
Issue
Vol 10 No 5(J) (2018)
Section
Research Paper

Copyright (c) 2018 Harris Maduku, Irshad Kaseeram

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