Equilibrium is a key concept in economics that refers to a state of balance in a market where the quantity of a good or service supplied equals the quantity demanded. In other words, it is the point at which the price of a good or service has reached a level at which both buyers and sellers are satisfied.
The
equilibrium price and quantity are determined by the intersection of the
supply and
demand curves in a market. At the
equilibrium price, the quantity supplied and quantity demanded are equal, which means that there is no surplus or shortage of the good or service.
When the price of a good or service is above the
equilibrium price, there is a surplus because the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded. This excess
supply can lead to downward pressure on prices as sellers compete to attract buyers.
Conversely, when the price of a good or service is below the
equilibrium price, there is a shortage because the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied. This shortage can lead to upward pressure on prices as buyers compete to acquire the limited
supply.
Understanding
equilibrium is important for businesses, policymakers, and economists because it helps them to analyze market dynamics and make decisions about pricing, production, and resource allocation. By analyzing
equilibrium, businesses can determine the optimal price and quantity of a product to produce and sell, while policymakers can create policies that promote market stability and economic growth.