The Pass-Through of Exchange Rate Changes to Import Prices

In this paper we analyze the empirical relevance of exchange rate pass-through for Finland, Sweden and Denmark during the period 1980–1994. Further, we attempt to determine if there has been a structural change in the pass-through relationship in the1990s. We find that about half the changes in exchange rates and world prices are passed through to import prices within one year, and three-quarters of such changes are passed through to import prices in two years. Moreover, there are no major differences among countries. Parameter constancy tests indicate the possibility of a structural change where the pass-through has slowed in recent years. Possible explanations of this are that the exchange rate regime has changed and competition has increased.