A change in supply refers to a shift in the entire price-quantity relationship that defines a supply curve. It is an economic term that describes when the suppliers of a given good or service alter production or output. A change in supply can occur as a result of new technologies, such as more efficient or less expensive production processes, or a change in the number of competitors in the market. Other factors that can cause a change in supply include:
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Prices of factors of production: A decrease in the cost of producing a good or service can increase the quantity supplied at each price, resulting in a shift in the supply curve to the right.
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Number of sellers: An increase in the number of sellers supplying a good or service can shift the supply curve to the right, while a reduction in the number of sellers can shift the supply curve to the left.
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Government policies: Changes in government policies, such as taxes or regulations, can affect the cost of production and cause a shift in the supply curve.
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Natural disasters or weather events: Adverse weather conditions or natural disasters that reduce the quantity supplied at each price can shift the supply curve to the left.
It is important to distinguish between a change in supply and a change in the quantity supplied. A change in supply causes a shift in the entire supply curve, while a change in the quantity supplied results in movement along the existing supply curve.