Devalvointi

Devalvointi refers to the deliberate downward adjustment of a country's currency's value in relation to other currencies. This is typically done by a government or central bank when a fixed or managed exchange rate system is in place. The primary goal of devalvointi is to make a country's exports cheaper for foreign buyers and imports more expensive for domestic consumers. This can boost export competitiveness, reduce trade deficits, and potentially stimulate economic growth.

Devalvointi can be a tool to address economic imbalances, such as persistent trade deficits or a currency that is perceived to be overvalued. By making exports cheaper, a country can increase its sales abroad, leading to higher export revenues and potentially job creation in export-oriented industries. Conversely, making imports more expensive can encourage domestic production and consumption, further aiding the balance of trade.

However, devalvointi also carries risks. It can lead to inflation as imported goods become more costly, eroding the purchasing power of consumers. It also makes foreign debt more expensive to repay in local currency terms. The effectiveness of devalvointi can depend on various factors, including the responsiveness of export and import markets to price changes and the overall economic environment. In a floating exchange rate system, currency values adjust automatically based on market forces, and devalvointi in the traditional sense is not applicable.