turuvõimu

Turuvõim, also written as turuvõimu in the genitive case, refers to a firm or group of firms that possess the ability to influence prices or market conditions in a specific sector. The term originates from Estonian economic literature and is closely related to the concept of market power used in international economics.

The notion of turuvõim gained prominence during the development of competition policy in post‑Soviet Estonia. It became a key analytical tool for regulators to assess whether market players could distort competitive equilibrium. Authorities use criteria such as price setting, barriers to entry, and control over essential resources to determine the presence of significant market power.

Regulatory frameworks, including the competition law of Estonia and EU directives, define thresholds and procedures for addressing potential abuses of turuvõim. Actions may involve price caps, exclusion agreements, or, in extreme cases, the breakup of monopolistic structures. The Estonian Competition Authority regularly publishes reports on sectors where turuvõim influences market outcomes.

Examples of turuvõim in Estonia include the telecommunications sector, where a few providers dominate broadband access, and the natural gas market, where import and distribution companies exercise considerable control. Other industries with notable turuvõim features are energy, banking, and agribusiness.

Overall, turuvõim is a critical concept for understanding how market dynamics can be regulated to promote fairness, innovation, and consumer welfare while maintaining efficient economic activity.