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PES - primary vs manufactured

S:\triplea_resources\DP_topic_packs\economics\student_topic_packs\media_microeconomics\images\wheat.jpgIf we look at the PES values for primary commodities and manufactured goods, we can see straight away that generally primary commodities have relatively low PES values (inelastic), while manufactured goods will tend to have higher values (more elastic).

So why is this? Well, if we look back at the determinants of the PES value that we looked at previously, we can start to identify why this might be the case. Let's remind ourselves first of the determinants of the PES value:

  • The time period
  • The substitutability of factors of production available to the firm
  • Level of spare capacity within the firm
  • Level of stocks available

In the table below is a comparison of two products - wheat (a primary commodity) and laptops (a manufactured good) - against each of these determinants.

Determinants Wheat Laptop
The time period Relatively little opportunity to change supply - once planted, supply is effectively determined for a year Supply is quite flexible - increased globalisation means increased production capacity can be brought on relatively quickly
Substitutability Very difficult to substitute factors of production Factors of production relatively easy to substitute
Capacity factors Once fields have been planted for a season, capacity is effectively fixed. Only in the long-run can it be changed significantly. New capacity can be brought in relatively easily - particularly ina ore global economy
Stocks Relatively perishable and so difficult to hold stocks for any significant period of time Stocks can be held, though these may date as specifications improve


This helps us see why primary commodities will generally have a lower elasticity value than manufactured goods where production tends to be more flexible and therefore more elastic.

Summary

Having completed this session you should know and understand that:

1. The responsiveness of supply to changes in price is known as supply elasticity.
2. Elasticity of supply is normally positive.
3. Supply is perfectly inelastic if its coefficient is 0, inelastic if it is between 0 and 1, unitary if it is exactly 1, elastic if it is between 1 and infinity and perfectly elastic if it is infinity.
4. Price elasticity of supply of a product varies with time, economic time (i.e. very short run, short run, long run, very long run). It also depends on the substitutability of the factors of production used in its manufacture.