In: Economics
Consider the market for wheat where demand is given by: Qd=120-4p
and supply is given by: Qs=50 + 2p.
Now suppose that, due to a market failure (an artificial shipping constraint), a maximum of 63.32 units of wheat can be supplied by firms in the market.
The amount of the deadweight loss caused by the market failure is $__________________.
As per the question the market demand for wheat is Qd = 120 – 4P
The market supply for wheat is Qs = 50 + 2P
At the market equilibrium point the market demand is equal with market supply
Qd = Qs
120 – 4P = 50 + 2P
120 – 50 = 2P + 4P
70 = 6P
P = 70/6 = $11.67 (equilibrium price)
At this price the equilibrium quantity demanded = 120 -4P
= 120 – 4(11.67) = 73.32
The market equilibrium price P=$11.67 and quantity is 73.32
Due to market failure the quantity of wheat supplied by the market is 63.32
At this quantity the price received by supplier Qs = 50 +2P
63.32 = 50 + 2P
2P = 13.32
P = $6.66
At this quantity the price pay by buyer Qd = 120 – 4P
63.32 = 120 – 4P
4P = 56.68
P = $14.17
So P1 = $14.17 and P2 = $6.66
Q1 = 73.32 and Q2=63.32
Deadweight loss is the loss of economic welfare caused due to market failure.
The deadweight loss = 0.5x(P1-P2)x(Q1-Q2)
The deadweight loss = 0.5x(14.17 – 6.66)x(73.32-63.32)
The deadweight loss = 0.5x(7.51)x(10) =37.55
The amount of deadweight loss caused due to market failure is 37.55