The Dynamic Effects of Commodity Prices on Fiscal Performance in Latin America

29 Pages Posted: 1 Sep 2010

See all articles by Leandro Medina

Leandro Medina

George Washington University - Department of Economics; International Monetary Fund (IMF) - Western Hemisphere Department

Date Written: August 2010

Abstract

The recent boom and bust in commodity prices has raised concerns about the impact of volatile commodity prices on Latin American countries’ fiscal positions. Using a novel quarterly data set-which includes unique country-specific commodity price indices and a comprehensive measure of public expenditures-this paper analyzes the dynamic effects of commodity price fluctuations on fiscal revenues and expenditures for eight commodity-exporting Latin American countries. The results indicate that Latin American countries’ fiscal positions react strongly to shocks to commodity prices, yet there are marked differences across countries. Fiscal variables in Venezuela display the highest sensitivity to commodity price shocks, with expenditures reacting significantly more than revenues. At the other end of the spectrum, in Chile expenditure reacts very little to commodity price fluctuations, and the dynamic responses of its fiscal indicators are very similar to those seen in high-income commodity-exporting countries. This distinct behavior across countries may relate to institutional arrangements, which in some cases include the efficient application of fiscal rules amid political commitment and high standards of transparency.

Keywords: Business cycles, Chile, Commodities, Commodity price fluctuations, Commodity prices, Cross country analysis, Exports, External shocks, Fiscal policy, Fiscal sector, Latin America, Venezuela, República Bolivariana de

Suggested Citation

Medina, Leandro, The Dynamic Effects of Commodity Prices on Fiscal Performance in Latin America (August 2010). IMF Working Paper No. 10/192, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1669867

Leandro Medina (Contact Author)

George Washington University - Department of Economics ( email )

Monroe Hall, Suite 340
2115 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052
United States

International Monetary Fund (IMF) - Western Hemisphere Department ( email )

700 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20431
United States

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