Drug Trade and Statistical Discrepancies in the U.S. Balance of Payments

Abstract

This paper tests the hypothesis that residual values in balance of payment accounting are a random variable. Previous research in this area has been satisfied with an explanation that these residual values are just statistical discrepancies and are random in nature. This paper reveals a structural problem with the way balance of payment accounting has been set up and data are collected. The research proves that there is a positive bias about these values. Moreover, the research shows that there is a positive relationship between the size of the illicit drug market and the statistical discrepancies in the U.S. balance of payments.