What is the difference between a shift and a movement in the demand (or supply) curve?

A shift in the demand curve occurs when there is a non-price determinant of demand, including a change in consumers' income, changing trends and tastes, changes in the price of complementary and substitute goods, population changes and expected future prices, income and credit. This is illustrated by a shift in the demand curve from D1 to D2 or D3 (as seen in the diagram) depending on whether this determinant increases or decreases demand.  


A movement along the demand curve arises from a change in price and it remains in the same demand curve (as seen in the diagram). This also applies to the supply curve, where shifts arise from changes in the price of factors of production, change in the price of a jointly supplied or competitive supply good, changes in technology, productivity, government policies i.e. taxes and subsidies, amongst others. 

SD
Answered by Sofia D. Economics tutor

17740 Views

See similar Economics IB tutors

Related Economics IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the marginal cost curve intersects the average cost curve at its minimum point?


Under what conditions can a firm sell the same product at different prices?


What is the difference between GDP and GNI and how should I compare them?


Distinguish between the concepts of income elasticity of demand (YED) and cross price elasticity of demand (XED)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning