管涛：“8·11”汇改十周年——市场化始终是最亮底色｜政策与监管

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and future prospects of China's currency exchange rate reform, emphasizing the importance of marketization in the exchange rate system and the need to overcome "floating fear" to achieve a fully market-oriented exchange rate [1][18]. Summary by Sections Exchange Rate Reform Background - On August 11, 2015, the People's Bank of China announced improvements to the RMB/USD exchange rate quotation mechanism to enhance marketization [2]. - The initial phase of the reform faced significant challenges, including capital outflows and a decline in foreign reserves, leading to a depreciation of the RMB [2]. - By the end of 2016, the RMB exchange rate had fallen to around 7, with foreign reserves nearing a critical level of $3 trillion [2]. Marketization as a Key Theme - Marketization is identified as the main thread of the exchange rate reform, with the consensus that the mechanism is more important than the level of the exchange rate itself [3][4]. - The reform is seen as a continuation of the market-oriented exchange rate formation mechanism established since the 1994 exchange rate reform [4]. Historical Context of Exchange Rate Mechanism - Prior to the 1994 reform, China had a dual exchange rate system, which transitioned to a managed floating exchange rate system [5][6]. - The exchange rate reform in 1994 was not solely about depreciation but was also influenced by broader financial reforms, including the introduction of an export tax rebate system [5]. Exchange Rate Trends and Performance - Since the 1994 reform, the RMB has appreciated significantly against major currencies, with a nominal appreciation of 21.5% by July 2025 compared to early 1994 [7]. - The RMB's nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) and real effective exchange rate (REER) have also shown substantial appreciation, ranking high among 57 currencies [7]. Equilibrium Exchange Rate Concept - The concept of an equilibrium exchange rate is discussed, indicating that it is difficult to define and measure accurately [9]. - Historical examples illustrate that the RMB has often defied expectations regarding its valuation, such as during the 1994 and 2005 reforms [10]. Current Exchange Rate Dynamics - Recent trends show that the RMB's REER has depreciated, raising questions about whether it is undervalued or overvalued based on trade surpluses and domestic economic conditions [11]. - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified the RMB as one of the currencies that is stronger than its fundamental equilibrium level [12]. Future Outlook and Challenges - The article emphasizes that the marketization of the RMB exchange rate is still ongoing, with increasing awareness of exchange rate risks and the need for further reforms [18]. - The flexibility of the exchange rate policy has improved, allowing it to act as a buffer against internal and external shocks, but it also faces challenges from market sentiment and potential over-adjustments [17].