In: Economics
In a particular market, suppose that without any taxes or price controls in place the market price would be P0=8. All else the same, with a per unit tax of T=2 levied on buyers, the market price is P1 = 6.50. At P0=8, is supply or demand more elastic? Justify answer.
Post-tax levied on buyers,
Suppliers are getting $6.50
Buyers are paying $6.50 + 2 = $8.50
This means burden of tax on buyers = $8.50 - $8 = $0.50 and burden of tax on sellers = $8 - $6.50 = $1.50
This means the suppliers are bearing more burden than buyers.
This means supply is inelastic in nature and demand is more elastic in nature.