CGPA Working Paper: Does RMB Internationalization Promote Cross-Border Trade?

We investigate the internationalization of Renminbi (IoR) since 2006 by examining its increased utilization among Korean exporters to China. Employing proprietary data from Korean customs, which includes detailed invoicing information, our analysis reveals that products invoiced, either fully or partially, in RMB have experienced more rapid export growth. Furthermore, firms adopting RMB invoicing also exhibit faster export growth to China after controlling for relevant observables. Our findings remain robust when employing an instrumental variable approach to address potential endogeneity concerns. With the help of a currency invoicing model that demonstrates different impact channels, we show that the increased trade volume is due to Chinese importers facing lower currency costs when purchasing RMB-invoiced products compared to USD-invoiced products.