When there is a surplus of a good in a competitive market, what role does the profit incentive play in determining the actions of sellers?

• A. It motivates sellers to increase production to take advantage of excess supply.
• B. It leads sellers to maintain current prices, expecting demand to rise.
• C. It causes sellers to withdraw from the market immediately to avoid losses.
• D. It encourages sellers to lower prices to increase sales and reduce the surplus.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a surplus occurs when the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded at the current price.
2. Recognize that sellers aim to maximize profits, so when there is excess supply, they face unsold inventory which can lead to losses.
3. Analyze how the profit incentive motivates sellers to adjust their behavior to reduce the surplus and increase sales.
4. Recall that lowering prices is a common response because it makes the good more attractive to buyers, increasing quantity demanded.
5. Conclude that sellers will lower prices to clear the surplus, balancing supply and demand in the competitive market.