What is relatively inelastic supply?

Economics Elasticity Of Supply Questions Medium



80 Short 64 Medium 44 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What is relatively inelastic supply?

Relatively inelastic supply refers to a situation in which the quantity supplied of a good or service does not change significantly in response to changes in price. In other words, the supply is relatively unresponsive to price changes. This occurs when the percentage change in quantity supplied is less than the percentage change in price.

There are several factors that can contribute to relatively inelastic supply. One factor is the availability of inputs or resources required to produce the good or service. If these inputs are limited or difficult to obtain, it may be challenging for producers to increase their output even if the price of the good or service increases.

Another factor is the time period under consideration. In the short run, it may be difficult for producers to adjust their production levels due to fixed factors of production, such as capital or specialized machinery. Therefore, the supply may be relatively inelastic in the short run but become more elastic in the long run as producers have more flexibility to adjust their production processes.

Relatively inelastic supply has important implications for market dynamics. When supply is inelastic, a change in demand can lead to a significant change in price, as the quantity supplied cannot easily be adjusted to meet the new demand level. This can result in price volatility and potential market inefficiencies.

Overall, understanding the concept of relatively inelastic supply is crucial in analyzing the responsiveness of supply to changes in price and its impact on market equilibrium.