An econometric analysis of the Dutch disease effects on Turkish economy

The term "Dutch disease" is commonly used to refer to economic problems that arise in resource-rich countries, but there are other factors that can lead to the outcomes of Dutch disease. In particular, foreign capital inflows, by focusing on profitable sectors, can increase the competitive advantage in certain sectors of the economy, but can also bring about problems such as the appreciation of the local currency and changes in the balance of foreign trade. In clearer terms, foreign capital inflows can also lead to Dutch Disease. The Turkish economy experienced a period of high foreign capital inflows as a result of local policies and the global economic context after the 2001 economic crisis. This study investigates econometrically whether there is a hypothesis of Dutch Disease arising from foreign capital inflows in the Turkish economy. The analyses using the VAR method cover the period from 2003:1 to 2020:4. Two econometric models, taking into account total demand and foreign trade channels, were created. The results of the total demand model , on the other hand, indicate that foreign capital inflows led to growth in non-tradable sectors through consumption expenditures. The results of the foreign trade model show that foreign capital inflows resulted in a depreciation of the exchange rate, leading to a decrease in exports and an increase in imports, thus causing a contraction in tradable sectors. In conclusion, empirical findings regarding the validity of the Dutch Disease hypothesis for the relevant period have been obtained.