EconLearn
AP MicroeconomicsSupply & Demand

Surplus (Excess Supply)

A surplus occurs when quantity supplied exceeds quantity demanded at a given price.

A surplus, or excess supply, happens when producers are willing to sell more than consumers are willing to buy at the current price. This puts downward pressure on the price, as producers compete to sell their excess goods. The surplus will be eliminated as the price falls to the equilibrium level.

Related terms

AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, EconLearn.