Devaluation

Devaluation is the deliberate downward adjustment of the value of a country's money relative to another currency, group of currencies, or currency standard. Countries that have a fixed exchange rate or semi-fixed exchange rate use this monetary policy tool. It is often confused with depreciation and is the opposite of revaluation, which refers to the readjustment of a currency's exchange rate.

The government issuing the currency decides to devalue a currency and, unlike depreciation, it is not the result of nongovernmental activities. One reason a country may devalue its currency is to combat a trade imbalance. Devaluation reduces the cost of a country's exports, rendering them more competitive in the global market, which in turn, increases the cost of imports, so domestic consumers are less likely to purchase them, further strengthening domestic businesses. Because exports increase and imports decrease, it favors a better balance of payments by shrinking trade deficits. That means a country that devalues its currency can reduce its deficit because of the strong demand for cheaper exports.

• Devaluation is the deliberate downward adjustment of a country's currency value.
• The government issuing the currency decides to devalue a currency.
• Devaluing a currency reduces the cost of a country's exports and can help shrink trade deficits.

In 2010, Guido Mantega, Brazil's Finance Minister, alerted the world to the potential of currency wars. He used the term to describe the conflict between countries like China and the U.S. over the valuation of the yuan. While some countries don't force their currencies to devalue, their monetary and fiscal policy has the same effect. They do so to remain competitive in the global marketplace for trade. It also encourages investment, drawing in foreign investors into (cheaper) assets like the stock market.

While devaluing a currency may be an attractive option, it can have negative consequences. Increasing the price of imports protects domestic industries, but they may become less efficient without the pressure of competition. Higher exports relative to imports can also increase aggregate demand, which can lead to higher gross domestic product and inflation. Inflation can occur because imports are more expensive than they were. Aggregate demand causes demand-pull inflation, and manufacturers may have less incentive to cut costs because exports are cheaper, increasing the cost of products and services over time.

China has been accused of practicing a quiet currency devaluation, trying to make itself a more dominant force in the trade market. Some accused China of secretly devaluing its currency so it could revalue the currency after the 2016 presidential election and appear to be cooperating with the United States. However, after assuming office, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on cheaper Chinese goods partly in response to the country's position on its currency. Some fear this may lead to a trade war, putting China in a position to consider more aggressive alternatives if the U.S. were to go ahead.

Egypt has faced constant pressure from U.S. dollar black-market trading, which began following a foreign currency shortage that hurt domestic business and discouraged investments within the economy. The central bank devalued the Egyptian pound in March 2016 by 14% compared to the U.S. dollar to mitigate black market activity. According to a Brookings article, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) required the devaluation of the pound before it would allow Egypt to receive a $12 billion loan over three years. The Egyptian stock market responded favorably to devaluation. However, the black market responded by depreciating the exchange rate of USD to the Egyptian pound forcing the central bank to take further action.