An Aggregate Import Demand Function: An Empirical Investigation by Panel Data for Latin American and Caribbean Countries

: This paper estimates the aggregate import demand function for Latin American and Caribbean countries, using the dynamic panel data methods, over the period 1975-2005. Consistent with theoretical postulates, this paper finds that the demand for import responds negatively to an increase in the relative prices and positively to an increase in real income. The results imply that fiscal or monetary policies may be used as policy instruments to keep inflation at a reasonable rate so as to rectify any trade imbalances. In addition, for a sustainable trade balance, the development of more local industries should be encouraged to lower the import content.