Causation

Decreasing Average Cost as a Source of Market Power

A firm's market power can originate from its cost structure, particularly when it experiences decreasing average costs. This scenario can be caused by factors such as economies of scale, high fixed costs spread over more units, or obtaining lower prices for inputs when buying in larger volumes. In such a cost structure, the marginal cost of producing an additional unit is lower than the average cost of all units produced. For the firm to be financially viable and avoid losses, its price must at least cover the average cost. Consequently, the price must be set at a level higher than the marginal cost.

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Updated 2025-09-16

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