singlefirm

Singlefirm refers to a market structure in which a single firm is the only supplier of a particular good or service within a defined market. It often corresponds to a monopoly and can arise from economies of scale, control of essential resources, legal barriers, network effects, or other entry barriers that deter potential competitors.

In a singlefirm market, the firm typically has significant pricing and output decision power. It may set prices above marginal cost by choosing an output level where marginal revenue equals marginal cost. As a result, prices tend to be higher and quantities lower than in a competitive market, and profits can persist in the long run if barriers to entry prevent new entrants. The arrangement can lead to allocative and productive inefficiencies and potential deadweight loss, though some monopolies may invest in innovation or unique capabilities.

Regulation and policy play central roles in managing singlefirm markets. Governments may rely on antitrust enforcement to prevent abusive practices or use direct regulation for price and service quality. Tools include price caps, rate-of-return regulation, franchising, or public ownership. In some cases, a natural monopoly—where high fixed costs make a single firm more efficient than several—justifies public provision or regulated concession.

Identification and measurement rely on market definition and concentration indicators. Analysts define the relevant product and geographic market and assess concentration using metrics such as the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. High concentration with meaningful barriers to entry typically indicates a singlefirm market.

Notes: the term is closely related to monopoly and market power, and real-world markets may vary in the degree of competition and contestability despite a single dominant firm.