The impact of exchange rate changes on the Japanese chemical industry

Willem Thorbecke*, Nimesh Salike, Chen Chen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigate how exchange rates affect the Japanese chemical industry. This industry exports sophisticated products to downstream firms. Since more complex products are less substitutable in international trade, we investigate whether they have lower price elasticities. We measure complexity using Hidalgo and Hausmann's (2009) product complexity index. We find that price elasticities are lower for more complex chemical goods. We also find that stock returns of chemical firms that occupy vital niches in the world economy are harmed less by yen appreciations. These results indicate that exporting sophisticated products can reduce export volatility and profit volatility arising from exchange rate swings.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101135
JournalJapan and the World Economy
Volume62
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022

Keywords

  • Chemical industry
  • Exchange rate elasticities
  • Exchange rate exposure
  • Japan
  • Product complexity index

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