Relevant Exam Boards: A-Level (Edexcel, OCR, AQA, Eduqas, WJEC), IB, IAL, CIE
Edexcel Economics Notes Directory | AQA Economics Notes Directory | IB Economics Notes Directory
Subsidies Definition:
Subsidies are government funds given to producers to help increase production and consumption of a good, by reducing their production costs.
Subsidies Example & Explanation:
Subsidies are a way for the government to incentivise the production/consumption of a good. By covering parts of the producers’ costs, more of the good can be produced, increasing the supply and lowering the market price (e.g. EU agricultural subsidies). Subsidies are usually provided to entire industries rather than a single firm, as a form of government intervention (like taxes, price controls and regulation). For example, if the government fully subsidises university education, then you would no longer need to pay any university fees! Subsidies can be used to increase consumption of merit goods that generate positive consumption externalities (e.g. vaccines/education), which will increase social welfare for society.
Subsidies Notes with Diagrams/Graphs:
Want a closer look? Download these subsidies notes.
Subsidies Video Explanation – EconPlusDal 
The left video explains what a subsidy is, the right explains a subsidy’s relationship with market failure.
Subsidies Multiple Choice Questions
Want a closer look? Download these Subsidies multiple-choice questions.
Subsidies in the News
Resources on other A-Level/IB Economics websites
Government Intervention: Subsidies
Export Subsidies
Competitive Markets: Indirect Taxes and Subsidies
Taxes and Subsidies Quiz
Subsidies for positive externalities
Subsidies vs Minimum Prices for farmers
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