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Archives of Business Research – Vol. 9, No. 12

Publication Date: December 25, 2021

DOI:10.14738/abr.912.11328.

Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence Between International Trade and Macroeconomic

Stability in Nigeria: A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade

and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria: A Vector Error

Correction Modelling

Tuaneh, Godwin Lebari

Dept. of Agricultural and Applied Economics

Rivers State University, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Essi, Isaac Didi

Department of Mathematics, Rivers State University

PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Ozigbu, C. Johnbosco

Department of Economics, Rivers State University

PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Causal relationships are often treated erroneously in isolation as a single equation

without the consideration of the endogeneity of right-hand side variables and also

without recourse to the presence of co-integration. This study modelled and

estimated the dynamic linear interdependence between international trade and

macroeconomic stability in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to, establish the

trend of the study variables, model and estimate the interdependence existing

among total export, total import, exchange rate, and inflation rate, determine the

significant causalities and summarize the causal channels among the study

variables. The study used the quasi-experimental design. Monthly time series data

on all the variables, which spanned from January, 2000 to June, 2019 were sourced

from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. Appropriate models were

specified in line with the objectives. The study used the Vector Error Correction

Models, the pre and post-diagnostic tests were also conducted. The unit root test

results showed that the variables were integrated of order one [I(1)]. The co- integration test results showed 1 co-integrating equation and VAR lag length

selection criteria choose lag 3. The Vector Error Correction Result showed that

inflation rate was the most explained by variations in the independent variables (R2

=73.4%) while exchange Rate was the least explained (R2 =18.8%), the total export

model had R2 = 53.8% and total import model had (R2 =59.2%. Significant bi- directional causality was found between total export and inflation rate, and also

between total import and inflation rate. There was also significant joint causality on

total import and also on exchange rate. The post test showed that the models were

stable. It was recommended that the right-hand side variables should be tested for

endogeneity before concluding on single or system equation. It was also

recommended that policies to check inflation rate should consider possibility of

shocks to international trade.

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Archives of Business Research (ABR) Vol. 9, Issue 12, December-2021

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Keywords: Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), International Trade, Export, Import,

Exchange Rate, Inflation Rate, Macroeconomic Stability, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION

The relationships among variables are often measured using the correlation analysis. The

correlation analysis also measures, strength, significance and the direction of the relationship.

However, it does not answer the question of cause or effect. The effects of one or more variables

on the other are determined using the regression analysis. The most common among the

regression tools is the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). One often violated assumption of the OLS

is the true exogeneity of the right-hand side variables. Tuaneh and Essi (2017) recommended

in their study on simultaneous equation models that models should be tested for exogeneity of

the right-hand side variables before concluding on the statistical tools to use. According to

Koutsoyiannis (2003), the application of least squares in a single equation assumes among

other things that the explanatory variables are truly exogenous. Consequently, there should be

one-way causation between the dependent and the independent variables. Essi et al. (2010)

explained that using OLS in estimating an equation gives an inconsistent estimate because of

the existing relationships between independent variable and the stochastic disturbance. Brooks

(2008), Tuaneh and Essi (2017) among other studies asserted that the application of OLS to a

structural equation which is part of a simultaneous system will lead to biased coefficient

estimate known as simultaneity bias. Gujarati (2001) reported that ‘According to Sims,

variables should be viewed on equal basis (endogenous) when true simultaneity exist between

set of variables. On this consideration, Sims built the Variance Autoregressive (VAR) model’.

Simultaneity Bias

Note that Yt = βXt + Ut (1.1)

and �" = (Xt

1Xt)-1 Xt

1Yt (1.2)

Where; Yt = Dependent Variable, Xt = Independent variable, β = regression coefficient, Ut = Error

term. Putting equation 1.1 in equation 1.2,

�" = (Xt

1Xt)-1 Xt

1(βXt + Ut) (1.3)

�" = (Xt

1Xt)-1 Xt

1Xtβ + (Xt

1Xt)-1 Xt

1Ut (1.4)

�" = β + (Xt

1Xt)-1 Xt

1Ut (1.5)

Following from equation 1.5 above, if E(Ut) = 0, it implies therefore that E(�") = β, ie �" becomes

the unbiased estimator of β and the application of the OLS holds, but when the assumption is

violated [E(Ut) ≠ 0], and the E(�") ≠ β because the last term in equation 1.5 will not vanish, as a

result, it is erroneous to treated the model in isolation as a single equation model.

VAR is one of the few statistical tools used in addressing issues of simultaneity bias. VAR is a

system (multi-equation) in which all the variables are viewed as endogenous (dependent)

consequently, each variable is a dependent variable in the system of equation. VAR is

a stochastic process model used to capture the linear interdependencies or dynamic

interrelationship among multiple time series. It is a known time-series modelling technique

which has earned so much popularity since Sims introduced it in 1980. For the Analysis of

multivariate time series, VAR model is one of the most efficient models, scalable and easy to

model, it has been successfully utilized for explaining the complexity and dynamic behavior of

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

financial and economic time series and for forecasting. VAR is a multivariate time series

modification of the single variable autoregressive (AR) model to.

A VAR system includes a set of m variables and each one along with an error term is represented

as a linear p lag function of itself and the other m – 1 variables. This implies that the right-hand

side of each equation contains lagged values of the endogenous variables of the system in the

reduced form.

A VAR model is basically a multivariate linear autoregressive time series model, the general

form is; Yt = ψ! + ∑ ψ"Yt-i + εt

#

$%& (1.6)

Where; Yt = A set of endogenous time series variables (Yt1, Yt2, ...., Ytn), and it is nx1 Vector,

ψ! = A KX1 vector of intercepts, ψ" = Full rank m by m matrix of coefficients, and i = 1, 2,

3,..., p, εt = Ut1, Ut2, ..., Unt are ~ iid ~ mean 0, error term (white noise).

However, VAR assumed that there is no cointegration between the variables. The analysis

changes when there is cointegration amongst the I(1) variables. The first difference is that the

summative model becomes Error Correction (VECM) Model. More explicitly, when variables in

the study are co-integrated or found to have one or more cointegrating vectors, then a suitable

estimation technique is the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) because it can corrects the

short-run and long run deviations from equilibrium.

The general form of the VECM is;

∆Yt = �! + α&ECM'(& + ∑ βi∆Yt-i + εt

#

$%& (1.7)

ECMt-1 is known as the Error correction term. It measures the speed of adjustment to

equilibrium.

Aim and Objectives

The study applied Vector Error Correction in modelling and estimating the dynamic

interdependence among international trade and macroeconomic stability. The study adopted

the measures used by Tuaneh and Essi (2021) who used total export and total import as proxies

for international trade while exchange rate and inflation rate were used as proxies for

macroeconomic stability. The specific objective therefore; (i) ascertained the trend of the study

variables, (ii) modelled and estimated the interdependence existing among total export, total

import, exchange rate, and inflation rate in Nigeria. (iii) determined the direction of causality,

the significance of the causality and also summarize the causal channels among total export,

total import, exchange rate, and inflation rate. (iv) ascertained the fraction in each variable

explains by the innovations in the other variables.

LITERATURE

Export and Exchange Rate

Thuy & Thuy (2019) analyzed the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on exports in Vietnam

using quarterly data from 2000- 2014. The analysis utilized the autoregressive distributed lag

model. The findings showed that exchange rate fluctuations negatively influenced export

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

Unrelated Regression (SUR) and the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity

(GARCH) in testing the volatility of the exchange rate. The result showed the presence of

volatility in the exchange rate. The findings also established the negative relationship between

the exchange volatility and export performance of oil and non-oil sectors.

Elif & Oksan (2014) studied the influence of exchange rate on import and export. The study

used the panel co-integration analysis and found out that a long-run co-integrated relationship

existed between effective exchange rates, imports and exports of emerging economies.

Muhammed (2014) studied whether exchange rate instability in Pakistan affects import,

export, trade balance, foreign exchange reserve and GDP. He used yearly data from 1952 to

2010. The researcher conducted the granger causality test and found out that depreciation of

exchange rate had a positive effect on exports.

Gherman, Ştefan, & Filip (2013) examined exchange rate volatility effects on export

competitiveness of the economy of Romania. The study used the simple regression analysis.

Their findings showed that export responded to exchange rate fluctuations which implied that

a depreciation of the Romanian currency affected export positively.

Zukarnain (2013) studied the association between exchange rate volatility and export in the

Malaysian economy. The study utilized regression analysis while also adopting the Generalized

Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH(1,1)) Model in accounting for volatility

in exchange rate within the period under study (2000-2012). The result indicated that exports

from Malaysia to Japan and the US were related to exchange rate volatility. However, the

association between Malaysia exchange rate of and export to the USA was found to be negative

while that of Japan was positive. On the other hand, Malaysia's export to Singapore and the

United Kingdom was insignificantly related to the volatility in the exchange rates.

Erdal et al. (2012) carried out a pragmatic study on the effects of Real Effective Exchange Rate

Volatility on Agricultural Export and Agricultural Import in Turkey. The work span through

1995-2007. It adopted the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity model.

The long-term equilibrium relationship between variables was also ascertained using the

Johansen co-integration test. The pairwise Granger causality established the direction of the

relationship. The findings showed that there was a direct and significant long-term relationship

between real exchange rate and Agricultural Export.

Import and Exchange Rate

Oyelade (2018) explored the determinants of import in Nigeria. The analysis employed the

autoregressive distributed lag process. The results indicated that domestic wages, import rates,

and index of openness exerted a direct and significant effect on import in the short-run, while

domestic interest rate imposed a long-run significant and negative effect on the import of goods

and services in Nigeria.

Muhia (2018) examined the impact of exchange rates fluctuations on imports and exports

(1980-2015) using a log-linear multiple regression model. The findings show that the

fluctuations of the real exchange rate significantly affected imports and exports. Also, the rise

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in exchange rate volatility has had long-term adverse effects on exports but does not impact

imports.

Oloyede and Essi (2017) analyzed the Impact of the Exchange Rate on Imports and Exports in

Nigeria from January 1996 to June 2015. The analysis used the vector auto-regression (VAR),

model. The results indicates that exchange rates had a positive and insignificant impact on

imports, a negative and insignificant effect on exports at lag 1 and a positive and insignificant

effect at lag 2. Exports were also found to influence exchange rates negatively while imports

affect exchange rates positively. The above result, therefore, indicates that the exchange rate in

Nigeria was not significantly affected by the activities of imports and exports. Neither does the

exchange rate impact on the imports and exports in Nigeria.

Isnowati (2015) studied the impact of the exchange rate, national income and inflation on the

import price in Indonesia. The research used the Error Correction Model (ECM) (ECM). The

findings exposed that the exchange rate had a positive impact on import. The result also showed

that the inflation rate had a positive and important impact on import in the short and long run.

Godfrey and Cosmas (2014) examined the effect of exchange rates on exports, imports and

national production in Tanzania from 1990–2011. The study followed the Vector Error

correction model, Variance Decomposition, Impulse Response Function, and Time-series

Simulation. The findings showed that variables had a long-run association with the exchange

rate but a lower long-run effect on and export and import.

Export and Inflation

Evans et al. (2017) studied the association between exports and inflation in Kenya: for the

period 2005–2015. The study used Vector autoregression (VAR) analytical techniques,

Johansen cointegration, Granger causality,.VECM hence explained the variance decomposition

and impulse response function result. The results showed that inflation has a significant

positive long-run association with total exports. This is a conclusion supported by variance

decomposition and impulse analysis with a coefficient of 1.39 at 5% level of significance

Kiganda et al. (2017) examined the relationship between exports and inflation in Kenya. The

study adopted the VECM, variance decomposition, impulse response and Granger causality. The

findings revealed that in the long-run, inflation had a direct and significant relationship with

total exports.

Thorvaldur (1998) investigated the determinants of export using regression analysis. The

study covering 160 countries use a cross-sectional data the result showed an indirect link

between inflation and export during the period under study.

Import and Inflation

Volkan & Ergün (2017) analyzed the connection between the import volume and inflation rate

in Turkey. The research employed an error correction model and the Granger causality

technique. The findings from the study showed that there was indeed a long term and short

term co-integrating correlation existed between inflation and import volume in the Turkish

economy.

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

Dewan and Shafiullah (2014) studied the relationship between inflation, import and export in

Bangladesh. The research used monthly time series data from 1994-2011. The research used

the Cointegration and Error Correction Model and Variance Decomposition and Granger

causality test. By using the Cointegration technique. The result showed that in the long run, a

one per cent rise in import and export contributes to a 3.21 per cent increase and a 1.91 per

cent decrease in inflation respectively. The results of variance decompositions showed that

export had the highest shock effect on inflation. The Granger causality result of the study

indicated a unidirectional causality running from Inflation to import and the presence of

bidirectional causality between inflation and export.

Ariful (2013) researched the effect of inflation on import in Bangladesh, using correlation

analysis. The findings showed that there was a direct and insignificant link between inflation

and import trade in Bangladesh.

Ofori et al. (2015) examined the relationship between import and inflation in the economy of

Ghana. They followed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) co-integration process.

The findings showed a significant co-integrating association between inflation and import. The

result also showed that import was negatively linked to inflation and, negligible in the long run

while there existed an inverse but significant association between inflation and import in the

short run. The study subsequently concluded that import was not inflationary during the time

of the study (1960-2012).

METHODOLOGY

This section presents the research design, types and sources of data, data collection methods,

methods of data analysis and model specification.

Research Design

The quasi-experimental design was used. This was owing to the fact that the study determined

the causes and effects relationship of the variables

Types and Sources of Data

The study used monthly time series data on exchange rate, inflation rate total import, and total

export, spanning from January 2000 to June 2019. The data were obtained from the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin 2019.

Methods of Data Analysis

The study adopted the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) a linear modelling technique.

However, pre-test particularly the unit root tests and the co-integration tests were conducted

to ascertain the stationarity status and long term equilibrium relationship among the study

variables.

The Vector Error Correction Model: This was required for the estimation of the specified

models n line with the stated objectives. The choice of the VECM was driven by the popularity

of non-stationary time series and a common existence of cointegrating equations among related

series. Ankargren & Lyhagen (2018) speculates that the VECM provides the most popular ways

to model macroeconomic variables. VECM estimates the short term effects and the long-run

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return to equilibrium. The direction and significance of causalities among the study variables

were also examined using Granger causality/block exogeneity test.

Pre-estimation Tests: These are tests conducted by subjecting the study data to scientific

inquiry about certain characteristics of the data. The first-order diagnostics econometric tests

carried out before using the VECM were the (i) Unit Root Test and (ii) the co-integration test

The Unit Root Test

The study used the Augumented Dickey Fuller and the Phillips-Perron Unit Root test. The null

hypothesis of non-stationary series is rejected in favour of the stationary alternative in each

case if the test statistic is more negative than the critical value or the probability value is less

than 0.05. A rejection of the null hypothesis means that the series does not have a unit root.

The Co-integration Test

The study employed the Johansen maximum likelihood approach. Washall and Sauders (2000)

as reported by Tuaneh (2019) stated that Trace statistics is more robust to skewness and excess

kurtosis in residuals than the Maximum Eigen test, the Maximum Eigen approach is said to be

more preferable due to its properties. The researcher, however, used both Maximum Eigen

statistics and the Trace statistics

Model Specification

The models stated in this section will be used to evaluate the interdependence between

variables that served as proxies for international trade and macroeconomic stability indicators.

VAR Model

A functional K-dimension VAR(p) process as given in 1.6 can also be written as;

Yt = Ω! + Ω&Y'(& + Ω)Y'() + ⋯ + Ω*Y'(* + ��' + �' (3.1)

Where;

Yt = (Y1t, Y2t, Y3t, ... Ykt,) is a KX 1 Vector of the endogenous variable

Xt = (X1t, X2t, X3t, ... Xdt,) is a dX 1Vector of exogenous variable

Ω1 - Ωp are KXK matrix of the lag coefficient to be estimated

C is dXd matrix of the coefficient of the exogenous variable to be estimated

εt = (εt1, εt2, ... , εkt) is white noise innovation process with E(ε') = 0, E(ε'ε'′) = ∑,

The vector of innovations are contemporaneously related to the full rank matrix Σ" but are

uncorrelated with their leads and lags of the innovations and are assumed to be uncorrelated

with all of the right-hand side variables

VECM Models

The above VAR(p) process is on the assumption that there is no cointegration between the

variables. When the I(1) variables have one or more cointegrating vectors, then the appropriate

estimation technique is the Vector Error Correction Model. The short run changes and

deviations from equilibrium is adjusted in VECM.

The general form of the VECM as shown in 1.7 as

∆Yt = �! + α&ECt'(& + ∑ βi∆Yt-i + εt

#

$%& (3.2)

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

With the ECT-1 as the term depicting Error Correction, the VECM involving the four variables is

presented in its framework as:

∆TEX = ECT(,(&) + ∑ �&," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(& ∑ �&," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(& ∑ Γ&," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(&

∑ �&" ∆ ���'("

*

"(& + �& + �',& (3.3)

∆TIM = ECT(,(&) + ∑ �)," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(& ∑ �)," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(& ∑ Γ)," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(&

∑ �)," ∆ ���'("

*

"(& + �) + �',) (3.4)

∆EXR = ECT(,(&) ∑ �/," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(& ∑ �/," ∆ ���'(" + ∑ Γ/," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(&

*

"(&

∑ �/," ∆ ���'("

*

"(& + �/ + �',/ (3.5)

∆INR = ECT(,(&) + ∑ �0," ∆ ���'(" � + *

"(& ∑ �0," ∆ ���'(" + *

"(& ∑ Γ0," ∆ ���'("

*

"(& +

∑ �0," ∆ ���'("

*

"(& �0 + �',0 (3.6)

Where:

TEX = Total Export,

TIM = Total Import,

EXR = Exchange Rate, Vector of endogenous variables

INR = Inflation Rate,

ECT = Error Correction Term,

Δ = difference operator,

∑ = summation,

C1 - C4 = Intercepts,

�&,", �0,", Γ&,", ω&," = Matrix of Autoregressive parameter

�',& − �',0 = Stochastic term (white noise Innovations)

p = Maximum Lag Length

Lag length Selection Criteria

Understanding that too few lags may result in auto-correlated errors whereas too many lags

may result in over fitting and consequently, increase means square forecast error (MSFE) of the

VAR model. The lag length selection uses information criteria to minimize these errors. The

commonly used information criteria are: Akaike Information Criteria (AIC), Hanna Quinn

Information Criteria (HQ) and Schwartz Information Criteria (SC). The lag length selection

result indicated that a lag length of 3 was chosen by most information criteria, however, the

researcher adopted the Akaike Information Criteria which also selected lag length 3, and this

informed specifying the model below with lag length 2 and subsequent estimation was done

using 2 lags. Note the loss of one lag in the Error Correction Models.

Model Specification with the appropriate lag length

∆TEX = �&,!ECT(,(&) + �&,& ∆ ���'(& + �&,) ∆ ���'() + �&,& ∆ ���'(& + �&,) ∆ ���'() +

Γ&,& ∆ ���'(& + Γ&,) ∆ ���'() + ω&,& ∆ ���'(& + ω&,) ∆ ���'() + �&1 + �',& (3.7)

∆TIM = �),!ECT(,(&) + �),& ∆ ���'(& + �),) ∆ ���'() + �),& ∆ ���'(& + �),) ∆ ���'() +

Γ),& ∆ ���'(& + Γ),) ∆ ���'() + ω),& ∆ ���'(& + ω),) ∆ ���'() +�)1 + �',) (3.8)

∆EXR = �/,!ECT(,(&) + �/,& ∆ ���'(& + �/,) ∆ ���'() + �/,& ∆ ���'(& + �/,) ∆ ���'() +

Γ/,& ∆ ���'(& + Γ/,) ∆ ���'() + ω/,& ∆ ���'(& + ω/,) ∆ ���'() +�/1 + �',/ (3.9)

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∆INR = �0,!ECT(,(&) + �0,& ∆ ���'(& + �0,) ∆ ���'() + �0,& ∆ ���'(& + �0,) ∆ ���'() +

Γ0,& ∆ ���'(& + Γ0,) ∆ ���'() + ω0,& ∆ ���'(& + ω0,) ∆ ���'() + �01 + �',0 (3.10)

Where;

�&,! − �0,! = Coefficient of the Error correction Term

C19 – C49 = Intercept

�&,&- �0,&, �&,&- �0,&, Γ&,&- Γ0,&, ω&,&- ω0,&, = Matrix of Autoregressive parameter

RESULTS

Descriptive Analysis

Table 1: Summary of Descriptive Statistics on all Variables of the Study

Statistics TEX TIM EXR INR

Mean 796297.82 551256.95 172.59 12.13

Median 738424.37 524811.90 149.74 11.65

Maximum 1937959.02 1969117.79 381.86 28.21

Minimum 113942.12 32366.88 98.78 -2.49

Std. Dev. 448614.56 402520.19 78.50 4.87

Skewness 0.26 0.57 1.66 0.25

Kurtosis 2.06 2.97 4.33 3.84

Jarque-Bera 11.140 12.533 125.226 9.418

Probability 0.004 0.002 0.000 0.009

Sum 186333688.7 128994125.3

Sum Sq. Dev. 4.68924E+13 3.77512E+13

Observations 234 234 234 234

The descriptive statistics in Table 1 indicated that within the period covered, total export (TEX)

was 186 trillion Naira, with an average of 796.3 billion Naira and a standard deviation of 448.6

billion Naira while. Total import (TIM) was 129 trillion Naira with an average of 551.3 billion

Naira and a standard deviation of 402.5 billion Naira within the period of the study. Total export

(TEX) had a maximum value of 1.93 trillion obtained in April 2019 and a minimum value of 113

billion obtained in February 2002. The maximum of total export (TEX) was 1.96 trillion

obtained in January 2019 and a minimum value of 32.36 billion obtained in January 2000.

The exchange rate on the other hand had an average of 172.59 Naira per dollar with a standard

deviation of 78.70 Naira per dollar. The maximum was 381.86 naira per dollar obtained in May

2017 and the minimum was 98.78 naira per dollar obtained in January 2000. The descriptive

statistics in Table 1 also revealed that inflation rate had an average of 12.13% with a standard

deviation of 4.87%. The maximum was 28.21% obtained in August 2005 and the lowest was -

2.49% attained in January 2000.

Trend Analysis of all Variables

Time plot and trend analysis were conducted and the results presented in Figures 1 - 4.

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

Trend of Total Export

Figure 1 Time Plot and fitted/trend analysis of Total Export (TEX),

TEX = -132013788.11 + 181.02*T

A cursory look at Figure 1 shows that there was a fluctuation in total export throughout the

period of the study. The trend equation on total export above shows that for every additional

month, total export would increase by 181.02 million. The positive slope of the trend line in

Figure 1 typically indicated an upward trend over the duration considered as also indicated by

the positive sign of the parameter of Time period (T) in the TEX trend equation above.

Trend of Total Import

Figure 2 Time Plot and fitted/trend analysis of Total Import (IIM),

TIM = -130000000 + 177.77*T

The time plot on total import in Figure 2 shows that there was a fluctuation in total export over

the period of the study. However, one can also deduce a positive trend from the time plot. The

positive slope of the trend line in Figure 3 largely displayed upward trend of total import over

the period of the study as also indicated by the positive sign of the coefficient of T in the TIM

trend equation above. The trend equation on total import above shows that for every additional

month, total import would increase by 177.77 million.

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Trend of Exchange Rate

Figure 3 Time Plot and fitted/trend analysis of Exchange Rate (EXR),

EXR = -21891.52 + 0.03*T

The time plot on the exchange rate in Figure 3 indicates fluctuation over the period of the study.

However, there is an observable positive trend from the time plot. The positive slope of the

trend line in Figure 3 generally showed upward trend of the exchange rate over the period of

the study as also indicated by the positive sign of the coefficient of T in the EXR trend equation

above. The trend equation on exchange rate above shows that for every additional month, total

import would increase by 0.03 dollar/ naira.

Trend of Inflation Rate

Figure 4 Time Plot and fitted/trend analysis of Inflation Rate (INR),

INR = 140.44 - 0.0002*T

The time plot on inflation rate in Figure 4 indicates fluctuation over the duration of the study.

However, there is a noticeable negative trend from the time plot. The negative slope of the trend

line in Figure 4.8 generally showed downward trend of inflation rate over the period of the

study as also indicated by the positive sign of the coefficient of T in the INR trend equation

above. The trend equation on inflation rate above indicates that for every added month,

inflation would decrease by 0.0002 per cent

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

Pre-estimation Diagnosis

Table 2: Unit Root Test Results

Vari

able

ADF Phillips-Perron ADF Phillips-Perron Order of

Levels Sig Levels Sig 1st Diff Sig 1st Diff Sig integration

TEX -2.670 0.247 -1.633 0.463 -7.66*** 0.000 -22.86*** 0.000 I(1)

TIM -0.100 0.946 -3.366 0.056 -11.66*** 0.000 -82.88*** 0.000 I(1)

EXR -0.995 0.941 -0.842 0.959 -12.68*** 0.000 -12.51*** 0.000 I(1)

INR -0.974 0.294 -1.081 0.252 -13.48*** 0.000 -13.46*** 0.000 I(1)

The study adopted the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and the Phillips-Perron unit root tests. Data

on the study variables were tested for unit root to guide against the problem of spurious

regression as explained in the methodology. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and the

Phillips-perron (PP) statistics tested the null hypothesis of a non-stationarity. The result of the

test as shown in Table 2 shows that at all variables were stationary at first difference. Both

Augmented Dickey-Fuller and the Phillips-Perron unit root tests showed that the variables

were stationary after first difference. More so, while the time plots and the trend plots

respectively showed obvious fluctuation and an identified pattern of movement of the the

series, the plots of the series at first difference as shown in Figure 5 were de-trended.

Figure 5

It was necessary to perform the cointegration test to establish the presence or absence of long- run relationship among the study variables, nevertheless, owing to the fact that the stationarity

test results indicated I(1), the Johansen method of cointegration was effective and was

conducted and presented below:

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Table 3: Johansen Co-integration Test

Hypothesiz

ed No. of

CE(s)

Eigen

value

Trace

Statistic

0.05

Critical

Value Prob.**

Max- Eigen

Statistic

0.05

Critical

Value Prob.**

None * 0.1269 58.843 47.856 0.003 31.08408 27.584 0.017

At most 1 0.0877 27.759 29.797 0.084 21.02599 21.131 0.051

At most 2 0.0242 6.733 15.495 0.609 5.611327 14.265 0.663

At most 3 0.0048 1.122 3.841 0.290 1.121722 3.841 0.290

The Trace test and the Max-eigenvalue test showed 1 cointegrating equationat the 0.05 level of

significance. The normalized cointegrating equation is:

EXR = 28.27903INR – 0.00039TEX + 0.00067TIM

(5.61597) (0.00013) 0.00015)

The long-run combination of stationary processes can be non-stationary, cointegration exists if

long-run or equilibrium relationship exists between them. The study employed the Johansen

maximum likelihood approach and the results as presented in Table 3 indicates from the Trace

statistics that the null hypothesis of no cointegrating relationship was rejected in favour of at

most 1 cointegrating relationship (Trace statistics = 58.84 > 47.85 critical value and a

probability 0.017). More so, from the Maximum Eigen statistics, the null hypothesis of no

cointegrating relationship was rejected in favour of a cointegrating relationship (Max-Eigen

statistics 31.08 > 27.58 critical value and a probability 0.017), therefore, there exists a long-run

relationship among the variables. This agrees with Elif & Oksan (2014) who found out from the

panel co-integration analysis of their study that a long-run co-integration related existed

between effective exchange rates, imports and exports. Given the existence of co-integrating

equations, the estimation of the vector error correction model was necessary.

The Interdependence Existing among Total Export, Total Import, Exchange Rate, and

Inflation Rate

The results of the cointegration analysis indicated the presence of cointegrating relationship,

consequently, the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was preferred to the Vector Auto- regression (VAR) as explained in the methodology. The VECM was estimated in the differenced

form through the period January 2000 to June 2019. The period showed a fairly lengthy time

dimension and as such there was sufficient information for parameter estimation.

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The error correction term explains the speed with which the model returns to equilibrium

following an external shock. It is often indirectly signed depicting a backward movement

towards equilibrium, a positive sign on the other hand would mean a movement away from

equilibrium. The error correction as shown in short-run result in Table 4 shows that the error

correction term was negative (correctly signed) and significant at 5% level of significance (t = -

2.093). The result implied that the previous period’s deviation from long-run equilibrium was

corrected in the subsequent period at 8.7% speed of adjustment. The short-run result in Table

4 also showed that only the first lag of total export (t = -12.664), second lag of total export (t =

-6.537), and first lag of inflation rate ((t = 2.147) had significant effects on total export at 0.05

level of significance.

Effects of Total Export, Exchange Rate, and Inflation Rate on Total Import

Table 5: Vector Error Correction Model (DTIM as Dependent Variables)

Cointegrating Eq:

Exogenous

variables Coefficient Standard

error t-stat

TIM(-1) -0.815 0.20588 -3.956**

EXR(-1) -0.386 1.01768 -0.379

INR(-1) 1.572 0.11335 13.866***

C -0.006

Error Correction:

Exogenous

variables Coefficient Standard

error t-stat

ECM(-1) 0.177 0.067 2.650**

DTEX(-1) -0.037 0.108 -0.341

DTEX(-2) -0.036 0.100 -0.357

DTIM(-1) -0.877 0.071 -

12.299***

DTIM(-2) -0.397 0.062 -6.418***

DEXR(-1) 0.142 0.604 0.235

DEXR(-2) -0.077 0.602 -0.128

DINR(-1) -0.288 0.082 -3.512**

DINR(-2) -0.119 0.053 -2.225**

C -0.002 0.020 -0.090

R2 0.592

�"! 0.576

Note: * = significant at 10%, ** = significant at 5%, and *** = significant at 1%

ECTt-1 = 1.000TEX(t-1) - 0.815*TIM(t-1) - 0.386*EXR(t-1) + 1.572*INR(t-1) - 0.006

D(TIM) = 0.177*ECT(t-1) - 0.037*D(TEX)(t-1) - 0.0358*D(TEX)(t-2) - 0.877*D(TIM)(t-1) -

0.397*D(TIM)(t-2) + 0.142*D(EXR)(t-1) - 0.077*D(EXR)(t-2) - 0.288*D(INR)(t-1) - 0.119*D(INR(t-2) -

0.002

The v result presented in Table 5 above revealed that(�P)) was 0.576. This implied that 57.6%

variation in total import is explained by the changes in total export, exchange rate and inflation

rate, the remaining 42.4% are explained by other variables not include in the model. The error

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

correction result in Table 5 indicates that the error correction term was signed correctly

(negative) and statistically significant (t = -2.650) at 5% level of significance. The error

coefficient of -0.177 implied an adjustment speed of 17.7%. This means that the long run

deviation from equilibrium in previous period was corrected in the current period at an

adjustment speed of 17.7%. The short run result in Table 5 also showed that the first lag of total

import (t = -12.299), second lag of total import (t = -6.418), first lag of inflation rate (t = -3.511),

and the second lag of inflation rate (t = -2.225) had significant effects on total import at 0.05

level of significance.

Effects of Total Export, Total Import, and Inflation Rate on Exchange Rate

Table 6: Vector Error Correction Model (DEXR as Dependent Variables)

Cointegrating Eq:

Exogenous variables Coefficient Standard error t- stat

TEX(-1) -0.815 0.20588 -3.956**

EXR(-1) -0.386 1.01768 -0.379

INR(-1) 1.571708 0.11335 13.866***

C -0.006

Error Correction:

Exogenous

variables Coefficient Standard

error t-stat

ECM(-1) -0.008 0.007 -1.076

DTEX(-1) 0.001 0.012 0.097

DTEX(-2) -0.010 0.011 -0.952

DTIM(-1) -0.004 0.008 -0.550

DTIM(-2) -0.006 0.007 -0.985

DEXR(-1) -0.397 0.064 -6.181***

DEXR(-2) -0.269 0.064 -4.200**

DINR(-1) 0.012 0.009 1.365

DINR(-2) 0.011 0.006 1.906

C 0.000 0.002 -0.016

R2 0.188

�"! 0.155

Note: * = significant at 10%, ** = significant at 5%, and *** = significant at 1%

ECTt-1 = 1.000TEX(t-1) - 0.815*TIM(t-1) - 0.386*EXR(t-1) + 1.572*INR(t-1) - 0.006

D(EXR) = - 0.008*ECM(t-1) + 0.001*D(TEX)(t-1) - 0.010*D(TEX)(t-2) - 0.004*D(TIM)(t-1) -

0.006*D(TIM)(t-2) - 0.397*D(EXR)(t-1) - 0.269*D(EXR)(t-2) + 0.012*D(INR)(t-1) + 0.011*D(INR(t-2) –

0.000033

Table 6 revealed an adjusted (R2) of 0.155. This implied that 15.5% variation in exchange rate

is explained by variations in total import, total export, and inflation rate, the remaining 84.5%

were explained by other variables not include in the model. This does not show a good fit. The

error correction result in Table 6 shows that the error correction term was correctly signed

(negative) and was not statistically significant at 5% level of significance (t = -1.076). The error

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correction coefficient of -0.008 showed that the previous period’s deviation from long run

equilibrium was corrected in the current period at an adjustment speed of 0.8%. The short run

result in Table 6 showed that only the first and second lag of total import (t = -6.181) and (t = -

4.200) respectively had significant effects on exchange rate at 0.05 level of significance.

Effects of Total Export, Total Import, and Exchange Rate on Inflation Rate

Table 7: Vector Error Correction Model (DINR as Dependent Variables)

Cointegrating Eq:

Exogenous

variables Coefficient Standard

error t-stat

TEX(-1) -0.815 0.20588 -3.956**

EXR(-1) -0.386 1.01768 -0.379

INR(-1) 1.572 0.11335 13.866***

C -0.006

Error Correction:

Exogenous

variables Coefficient Standard

error t-stat

ECM(-1) -0.900 0.066 -13.565***

DTEX(-1) 0.457 0.107 4.264**

DTEX(-2) 0.067 0.099 0.676

DTIM(-1) -0.472 0.071 -6.677***

DTIM(-2) -0.232 0.061 -3.795**

DEXR(-1) -0.331 0.598 -0.553

DEXR(-2) -0.460 0.597 -0.770

DINR(-1) 0.165 0.081 2.029**

DINR(-2) 0.044 0.053 0.835

C 0.015 0.020 0.785

R2 0.734

�"! 0.723

Note: * = significant at 10%, ** = significant at 5%, and *** = significant at 1%

ECTt-1 = 1.000TEX(t-1) - 0.815*TIM(t-1) - 0.386*EXR(t-1) + 1.572*INR(t-1) - 0.006

D(INR) = - 0.900*ECM(t-1)0.457*D(TEX)(t-1) + 0.067*D(TEX)(t-2) - 0.472*D(TIM)(t-1) -

0.232*D(TIM)(t-2) - 0.331*D(EXR)(t-1) - 0.460*D(EXR)(t-2) + 0.165*D(INR)(t-1) + 0.044*D(INR)(t-2) +

0.015

Table 7 showed that the adjusted coefficient of determination(�P) ) is 0.723. Thus 72.3%

variation in inflation rate is explained by variations in total import, total export, and exchange

rate. This shows good fit, the remaining 27.3% were explained by other variables not included

in the model. The error correction result shows that the error correction term was signed

correctly and was also statistically significant at 5% level of significance (t = -13.565). The error

coefficient of -0.900 showed that the deviation from long-run equilibrium in the previous

period was corrected in the current period at an adjustment speed of 0.8%. The short-run result

in Table 7 showed that; the first lag of total export (t = 2.64), first and second lag of total import

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

(t = -6.677) and (t = -3.795) respectively had the first leg of exchange rate had significant effects

on inflation rate at 0.05 level of significance.

The significance of the Causality, Direction of Causality, and Summary of the Causal

Channels among Total Export, Total Import, Exchange Rate, and Inflation Rate

Direction of Causality and Causal Channels

The direction of causality amongst the series in the model was captured using the Granger

causality test. The test was carried out at 5% level of significance and the results summarized

in Table 9.

Figure 6: Causal Channels among Variables

The arrows in Figure 6 were indications of the direction of the causality, a single arrow

indicated unidirectional causality while the double arrow indicated bidirectional causality. The

broken lines indicated insignificant causality implying that the broken line between the

exchange rate and inflation rate was not significant. The thick lines, on the other hand, indicated

a significant causality hence the thick lines between export and inflation rate means that a

significant relationship exists between them, the double-headed arrow implied a bidirectional

relationship from export to the inflation rate and from inflation rate to export. This was also the

case in the relationship between import and inflation rate. Hence, significant bidirectional

causality was found between total export and inflation rate and also between total import and

inflation rate. This is depicted in the causal channels among variables in Figure 6.

Significance of Causality (Discussion of the Test of Hypotheses Results)

Apart from the tests of the significance of joint causality on each variable, 60% of the

hypotheses was to ascertain the significance of bidirectional causality between pairs of the

study variables.

Total Export

Total Import

Exchange

Rate

Inflation

Rate

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Table 8: Summary of Bidirectional Causality Test Results

Direction of

causality

Chi-square (X2)

calculated

P-value Remark

D(TIM) ® D(TEX) 0.962 0.618 Insignificant causality

D(TEX) ® D(TIM) 0.147 0.929 Insignificant causality

D(TEX) ® D(EXR) 1.820 0.402 Insignificant causality

D(EXR) ® D(TEX) 2.391 0.303 Insignificant causality

D(INR) ® D(TEX) 6.446** 0.040 Significant Bi- D(TEX) ® D(INR) 26.101*** 0.000 directional causality

D(EXR) ® D(TIM) 0.101 0.951 Insignificant causality

D(TIM) ® D(EXR) 1.007 0.604 Insignificant causality

D(INR) ® D(TIM) 12.819*** 0.002 Significant Bi- D(TIM) ® D(INR) 46.036*** 0.000 directional causality

D(INR) ® D(EXR) 3.652 0.161 Insignificant causality

D(EXR) ® D(INR) 0.699 0.705 Insignificant causality

All ® D(TEX) 11.969 0.063 Insignificant causality

All ® D(EXR) 5.955 0.428 Insignificant causality

All ® D(TIM) 13.695** 0.033 Significant Joint

causality

All ® D(INR) 58.436*** 0.000 Significant Joint

causality

Null Hypothesis (H0): No bidirectional causality between each pair of variable

The causality from total export to total import was determined with the granger causality test

conducted and presented in Table 8. The results showed that there is no significant

bidirectional relationship between total export and total import. showed a chi-square of 0.147

and a corresponding PV = 0.929 > 0.05, therefore, there was no significant unidirectional

relationship from total export to total import. The direction from total export to total import

showed a chi-square of 0.962 and a corresponding PV = 0.618 > 0.05 therefore there was no

significant unidirectional relationship from total import to total export. Overall, there was no

enough evidence to conclude that a significant bidirectional relationship between total export

and total import.

On the direction of causality from total export to exchange rate, the granger causality test

conducted and presented in Table 9 showed a chi-square of 1.820 and a corresponding PV =

0.402 > 0.05, hence there was no significant unidirectional relationship from total export to

exchange rate. The direction from total export to exchange rate showed a chi-square of 2.391

and a corresponding PV = 0.303 > 0.05therefore there was no significant unidirectional

relationship from total export to exchange rate. Accordingly, there is no enough evidence to

conclude a significant bidirectional relationship between total export and exchange rate. This

negates the findings of Odili (2015) who found out significant unidirectional relationship

running from exchange rate to import. It however agree with the findings of Nyeadi et al.(2014)

who found out that exports was not significantly affected by the exchange rate in Ghana. In the

same manner.

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

The causality from total export to the inflation rate as shown in Table 8 indicates a chi-square

of 26.101 and a corresponding PV = 0.000 < 0.05, therefore, there was a significant

unidirectional relationship from total export to the inflation rate. The direction from inflation

rate to total export showed a chi-square of 6.446 and a corresponding PV = 0.040 < 0.05

therefore there was a significant unidirectional relationship from inflation rate to total export.

Overall, there was a significant bidirectional relationship between total export and inflation

rate. This agreed with Dewan and Shafiullah (2014) who found out significant bidirectional

causality between inflation and export. Evans et al. (2017) also found out from their study on

the association between exports and inflation in Kenya that inflation has a significant positive

long-run association with total exports. The result is also supported by findings of Kiganda et

al. (1998).

The causality from total import to the inflation rate as shown in Table 8 indicates a chi-square

of 46.036 and a corresponding PV = 0.000 < 0.05, therefore, there was a significant

unidirectional relationship from total import to the inflation rate. The causality from inflation

rate to total import showed a chi-square of 12.819, PV = 0.040 < 0.05 therefore there was a

significant unidirectional relationship from inflation rate to total import. Overall, it was

therefore concluded that there is a significant bidirectional relationship between total import

and inflation rate. This result agreed with Dewan and Shafiullah (2014) who found significant

unidirectional causality running from Inflation to import. Ofori, Richardson, & Asuamah (2015)

also significant cointegrating association between inflation and import.

The joint causality from all variables (total import, inflation rate, and exchange rate) to total

export as presented in Table 8 showed a chi-square of 11.969, PV = 0.0.063 > 0.05.

Consequently, there is no enough evidence to a significant joint causality on total export.

The joint causality on exchange rate as presented in Table 8 showed a chi-square of 5.955, PV

= 0.428 > 0.05, an insignificant jointly on exchange rate was thus concluded.

The post estimation test conducted showed that the model had no serial correlation at lag 1 and

2, (Rao F Stat = 0.596, PV = 0.888 > 0.05), and (Rao F Stat = 0.745, PV = 0.748 > 0.05)

respectively. The result also showed that the residuals were multivariate normal on the total

export and the total import components. The heteroskedasticity revealed that the residual was

homoscedastic. The stability test conducted also showed that all roots lie inside the unit root

circle and the detailed result showed that all modulus were less than one, consequently, the

estimated VECM was stable.

Fraction in each Variable Explained by the Innovations in the other Variables

The Impulse Response Function

The VAR model allows the effects of shocks in other variables to be seen. This also holds for

shocks to endogenous variables. Shocks to endogenous variables do not only directly impact an

endogenous variable but are also transmitted to other endogenous variables via the dynamic

(lag) structure of the VAR. To assess the effect of a one-time shock on the current and future

values of the endogenous variables, the impulse response is utilized. The dynamics of the model

as shown in Table 10. This study revealed four fundamental innovations: I a shock to total

export; (ii) a shock to total import; (iii) a shock to the exchange rate; and (iv) shock to inflation;

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both shocks are one standard deviation (or sigma) apart from the respective series' first

difference.

Variance Decomposition

One of the methods used in the study of the dynamic interaction among the variables that occur

after the data is post-sampled is the variance decomposition. It was also important to isolate

the variance in an endogenous variable into the effects of the shocks on the system. The

variance decomposition was used to calculate this. Variance decomposition gives information

about the comparative significance of each random innovation as it affects variables in the

system differently.

Table 9: Table of Variance Decomposition

Variance Decomposition of

DTEX:

Period S.E. DTEX DTIM DEXR DINR

1 0.186291 100.0000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000

2 0.188685 98.32728 1.140108 0.349941 0.182668

3 0.211410 96.84030 0.922513 0.869077 1.368111

. . . .

12 0.325247 96.52775 1.048431 0.958577 1.465237

Variance Decomposition of DTIM:

1 0.299982 4.073184 95.92682 0.000000 0.000000

2 0.301135 4.742794 95.24305 0.006445 0.007715

3 0.341606 4.359388 93.53092 0.032332 2.077356

. . . .

12 0.496676 6.129508 91.44833 0.025649 2.396516

Variance Decomposition of DEXR:

1 0.031926 0.413148 0.156053 99.43080 0.000000

2 0.037302 0.304269 0.116185 99.57942 0.000125

3 0.040534 0.481630 0.177106 99.33634 0.004927

. . . .

. . . .

12 0.070838 0.190078 0.094261 99.33993 0.375729

Variance Decomposition of DINR:

1 0.297410 0.422409 2.048180 0.098247 97.43116

2 0.319417 4.114530 6.057634 0.093166 89.73467

3 0.324792 5.630672 7.242001 0.146126 86.98120

. . . .

. . . .

12 0.382886 10.93763 24.21248 0.118508 64.73138

Cholesky Ordering: DTEX DTIM DEXR DINR

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Tuaneh, G. L., Essi, I. D., & Ozigbu, C. J. (2021). Dynamic Linear Interdependence between International Trade and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria:

A Vector Error Correction Modelling. Archives of Business Research, 9(12). 65-90.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/abr.912.11328

Figure 7: Variance Decomposition Graph

Variance Decomposition of Total Export

The percentage of the forecast error variance as shown Table 9 revealed that in the short run,

100% forecast variance in total export is self-explained. Total import, exchange rate, and

inflation rate, however, showed very weak influence in predicting total export hence they are

strongly exogenous. Total export decreases while total import, exchange rate, and inflation rate,

increased as we move into the future but were not strongly exogenous as the percentage

forecast variance of total export was 96.52% in the long run while the percentage forecast

variance of total import, exchange rates and inflation rates, in the long run, were 1.05%, 0.96%,

and 1.46% respectively.

Variance Decomposition of Total Import

Table 9 showed that 95.92% of the forecast error variance of total import in the short run was

explained by its shock. Total export exchange rate and inflation rate, however, showed very

weak influence in predicting total import hence they are strongly exogenous. In the long run,

however, total import decreases while total export, exchange rate, and inflation rate increases

as we move into the future but at a very slow rate and were not strongly exogenous The

percentage forecast variance of total import was 91.44% in the long run while total import,

0

20

40

60

80

100

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DTEX DTIM

DEXR DINR

Variance Decomposition of DTEX

0

20

40

60

80

100

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DTEX DTIM

DEXR DINR

Variance Decomposition of DTIM

0

20

40

60

80

100

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DTEX DTIM

DEXR DINR

Variance Decomposition of DEXR

0

20

40

60

80

100

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DTEX DTIM

DEXR DINR

Variance Decomposition of DINR

Variance Decomposition using Cholesky (d.f. adjusted) Factors

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exchange rates and inflation rates, in the long run, were 4.36%, 0.030%, and 2.30%

respectively.

Variance Decomposition of Exchange Rate

The percentage of the forecast error variance as shown in Table 9 revealed that in the short

run, 99.43% forecast variance in the exchange rate is self-explained. Total import, total export,

exchange rate, and inflation rate showed very weak influence in predicting exchange rate hence

they are strongly exogenous. In the long run, exchange rate decreased while total export, the

total import and inflation rate increased as we move into the future but we're still not strongly

exogenous as the percentage forecast variance of the exchange rate was 99.34% in while the

percentage forecast variance of total import, exchange rates and inflation rates, in the long run,

were 0.19%, 0.19%, and 0.005% respectively.

Variance Decomposition of the Inflation Rate

Table 9 showed that 97.43% of the forecast error variance of inflation rate in the short run was

explained by its own shock. Total export, total import, and exchange rate a showed very weak

influence in predicting inflation rate hence they are strongly exogenous. In the long run,

however, inflation rate decreases while total export, total import, and exchange rate increased

as we move into the future but at a very slow rate and were not strongly exogenous The

percentage forecast variance of inflation rate was 64.73% in the long run while total export,

total import, exchange rates, and inflation rates, in the long run, were 10.93%, 24.21%, and

0.11% respectively.

Historical Decomposition

Historical decomposition measures the contribution of uncertainty shocks to the variables from

their respective baseline projection. It displays the cumulative effects of structural shocks. The

actual change equals baseline forecast + shock1 + shock 2 + shock 3 + ... Baseline forecast refers

to the dynamic forecast of each endogenous variable generated from the VAR model.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Exogeneity test should be key component of pre-estimation diagnosis before concluding on a

single equation or system equation estimation. Having seen that inflation was the most affected

by the dynamic behaviour of all the variables in the system, policies to regulate the inflation

rate must consider activities or dynamic behaviour of international trade varaiabls.

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