20-05-2012, 09:27 PM
(This post was last modified: 20-05-2012, 09:32 PM by Underdogger.)
1. Is the whole starch industry facing an excess capacity problem?? The potato starch price is still greatly depressed, and has been so since last year August??
2. Is Essence facing threat from many other hit-and-run types of smaller scale starch producers who are more nimble? Do these small producers only target potato starch? How about corn, tapioca, etc...
Som refreshing notes from economics:-
a. When a firm is operating below full capacity it can price below average cost and operate with economic losses for some time period so long as the price covers variable costs.
b. If industry has excess capacity, prices may fall below average cost and some firms may choose to exit
c. If exit is not an option (capacity is industry specific) excess capacity and losses can persist
2. Is Essence facing threat from many other hit-and-run types of smaller scale starch producers who are more nimble? Do these small producers only target potato starch? How about corn, tapioca, etc...
Som refreshing notes from economics:-
a. When a firm is operating below full capacity it can price below average cost and operate with economic losses for some time period so long as the price covers variable costs.
b. If industry has excess capacity, prices may fall below average cost and some firms may choose to exit
c. If exit is not an option (capacity is industry specific) excess capacity and losses can persist