In: Economics
Suppose an increase in world demand for potash (used in the production of fertilizer) increases the price from $285 per tonne to $315 per tonne. Annual Canadian production increases from 15 million tonnes to 17 million tonnes. What is the elasticity of supply of Canadian potash?
Select one:
A.
1.0
B.
1.25
C.
0.5
D.
2.5
E.
0.8
And. B. 1.25
Using the midpoint method
Price Quantity supplied
$285 per tonne 15 million tonnes
$315 per tonne 17 million tonnes
% change in price = change in price/ average price x 100
= ( $315 - 285 )/( $285 + $315)/2 x 100
= 10 %
% change in quantity supplied = change in quantity/ average quantity x 100
= ( 17 million tonnes - 15 million tonnes)/ (15 million tonnes + 17 million tonnes)/2 x 100
= 12.5 %
Then
The elasticity of supply of Canadian potash =
% change in quantity supplied/% change in price
= 12.5 %/ 10 %
= 1.25
Hence, the price elasticity of supply of Canadian potash is 1.25 which is elastic because of the elasticity is greater than unity.