What is the effect of an increase in supply on the economy?

An increase in supply, such as that caused by a fall in producer costs causes prices to fall, and the quantity consumed to increase.
Diagrammatically, this is represented by an outwards shift of the supply curve. At the market price, we now have excess supply and so prices fall and quantity increases until we reach the new equilibrium (ceteris paribus). At a general level, both consumer and producer surplus increase, although this is dependent on the price elasticities of demand and supply.

Related Economics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Define what is meant by GDP, and explain the limitations of using it as a proxy for economic growth.


On the graph related to the firms topic, why does the marginal cost curve meet the average cost curve at its lowest point.


Explain the impact of incentives on the behaviour of economic agents and resource allocation.


What are the features of an imperfect or monopolistic market?