oligopólios

An oligopoly is a market structure characterized by a small number of large firms that dominate a particular industry. These firms hold a significant market share, and the actions of any one firm can have a substantial impact on the others. The products offered by these firms can be either identical or differentiated, depending on the specific industry. Entry into an oligopolistic market is typically difficult due to high startup costs, economies of scale enjoyed by existing firms, and potential retaliatory actions by incumbents.

A key feature of oligopolies is the interdependence among firms. Because there are so few players, each firm must consider the likely reactions of its rivals when making decisions about pricing, output, or advertising. This interdependence can lead to various strategic behaviors. Firms might engage in price wars, where they lower prices to gain market share, or they might collude, either formally or tacitly, to set prices or restrict output, effectively acting like a monopoly. However, explicit collusion is often illegal and subject to antitrust regulations. Other strategies include non-price competition, such as product differentiation, advertising, and innovation, to attract customers without directly challenging competitors' prices. The presence of an oligopoly can lead to higher prices and lower output for consumers compared to a perfectly competitive market.