Monopoly Market: Definition, Examples, and Characteristics

What is Monopoly

A monopoly is a market structure with a single seller but many buyers. The controlling company (single seller) has entire control of the market, hence this company sets the price and supply of a good or service.

A monopoly describes a market situation where a single company holds all the market share and the company has total control of the prices and output. A monopolist company can raise the price of a product without worrying about the actions of competitors since there is none.

Sources of Monopoly

Following are the sources of monopoly,

Patents and licenses
Economies of scale
The high initial capital required
Technological barriers to entry
Control of natural resources
Legal barriers
No substitute goods

Examples of Monopoly Market

Following are some real-world examples of Monopoly,

1. Carnegie Steel Company in the United States

Andrew Carnegie invested heavily in the steel industry in 1873 and raise the quality of steel while reducing its price by using technological innovations such as the Bessemer process.

Carnegie Steel Company obtained control over every level involved in steel production which company has almost the entire steel industry in the United States.

You may refer to the below articles for more information:

2. Canada Post

Canada Post was the only service available for mail delivery in the domestic-letter market. It was argued that the cost of postal services was increased. But as the sole service available, consumers had to use the service without any choice.

You may refer to the below articles for more information:

How do Monopoly Cause Market Failure (Negative Effects of Monopoly)

1. Can Result in Scarcity

A single supplier controls the entire supply of a product in a monopoly market. This results in the demand for the product remaining relatively stable despite price fluctuations.

Supply can be restricted to make demand more to keep prices high. But this results in scarcity.

2. Deficiency of Supply & Demand Equilibrium

A monopoly can cause a deficiency of equilibrium between supply and demand.

3. Inefficient and Less Innovative

Since there is no competition, Monopoly firms can become inefficient and less innovative over time.

Characteristics of Monopoly Market

A monopoly market is easily identifiable by certain characteristics as follows,

1. Only a Single Seller is Available

In a monopoly, one seller produces all of the output for a good or service. The entire market depends on a single seller.

2. Very Heigh Barriers to Entry

Markets with monopolies naturally have very high barriers to entry.

3. Profit Maximisation

The monopolistic firm maximizes profits due to no competition. The firm can charge a set price far above the normal in a competitive market.

4. Price Discrimination

The seller can change the price and quantity of the good or service in a monopoly market.

5. Firm is a Price Maker

Since there is only one seller, the sole decision of the price is made by this seller.

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Market Structures

Overview, Features, and Types of Market Structures

Monopoly Market

Oligopoly Market

Monopolistic Competition

Perfect Competition