The Impact of Exchange Rate Shock on Inflation in Iran's Economy: Application of the Threshold Vector Autoregression Model

The effect of exchange rate changes on the general level of prices is one of the major issues in macroeconomics and has important results for the monetary policy maker. With respect to these two variables in Iran's economy, modern econometric approaches can provide new insights. In this regard, using the threshold vector autoregressive model, the present study attempts to investigate the nonlinear exchange rate pass-through in Iran during 1369:1 – 1397:4. The results show that pass trough of exchange rate to the general price levels depends on the amount of inflation (inflationary conditions and its threshold). If seasonal inflation exceeds from 5.48%, the exchange rate shocks has lower effect on inflation. The results show that, exchange rate shocks have a severe effect. Due to the lack of inflation targeting policy in the Iran’s economy, the impact of exchange rate shocks on inflation is lower in values below the level of 5.48%. Accordingly, in inflation rates below the threshold, monetary policy has less freedom of action and the goals of reducing inflation and exchange rate policies need to be taken into account simultaneously.