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I have problem with an article Lee H., C. Park, 2013, International Transmission of Food Prices and Volatilities: A Panel Analysis.

Authors wrote: Difference in log of exchange rates (LOC/ $)- As depreciation of local currency (LOC) against the US dollar will result in higher domestic prices of imported food products in local currency, this variable is expected to carry a positive sign.

Variable (LOC/$) has positive sign in there econometric model. How it is possible?

When exchange rate (LOC/$) rises we have aprreciation of local currency so food prices are lower. I think that the sign should be negative

Can someone help me?

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I think you're getting tripped up by notation. Instead of LOC/\$, write \$/LOC, since international trade is most likely to take place using $USD as an intermediary currency.

Here's an example:

Suppose world prices for soybeans are \$150/ton USD. Today, the Wakandan widget (W) trades at 75W/\$ - so, I suggest rewriting this as $1/75W. Then, absent tariffs, taxes, and other frictions, Wakandans can import US soybeans at 11,250W/ton.

Now suppose the widget depreciates - it now trades at 150W/\$. Notice that the sign of this change is positive, because you need more LOC to buy a unit of USD. But if you rewrite as $1/150W, the sign of this change is negative, fitting the intuition that the LOC has become less valuable. And indeed, now Wakandans must pay 22,500W/ton to import US soybeans - a change that would be reflected by a positive sign.

The value change of the LOC is negative, leading to a positive change in the price for imports. Make sense?

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  • $\begingroup$ Yes, make sense. I think in this way, but the notation LOC/$ is used several times in this article. Did you read it? $\endgroup$
    – los6996
    Jan 6, 2020 at 22:07
  • $\begingroup$ It's just an inverse of the ratio, and is mathematically consistent either way. The way I present it is just more in-line with the intuition that is leading to your confusion (and understandably so). You'll run into this a lot in almost any field - being a good researcher, and writing easily-readable research, are two different skillsets. Not everyone is a master of both. :) $\endgroup$
    – heh
    Jan 6, 2020 at 22:34

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