Cambridge International (CAIE) · 2 The price system and the microeconomy (AS) · 2.5 Consumer and producer surplus

Cambridge International (CAIE) Economics past paper questions: Consumer and producer surplus

Every Cambridge International (CAIE) question on Consumer and producer surplus from 2023 to 2025: 2 essays, 1 data response question and 8 multiple choice questions. It covers 2.4 The interaction of demand and supply and 3.2 Methods and effects of government intervention in markets. Each question links to its paper, mark scheme and examiner report.

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Subtopics2.4 The interaction of demand and supply 93.2 Methods and effects of government intervention in markets 1

Essay questions on consumer and producer surplus

AS Paper 2, November 2025, Q2(a)OptionalExplain8 marks

With the help of a diagram, explain the difference between producer surplus and consumer surplus and consider the extent to which producers always gain when the price of a product increases due to higher costs of production.

Question paper p.3 Mark scheme p.14 Open in the tool Draw it: supply and demand diagram

AS Paper 2, June 2023, Q2(a)OptionalExplain8 marks

With the help of a diagram(s), explain what is meant by consumer surplus and producer surplus and consider whether a rise in the price of a product because of higher costs of production is likely to always reduce the consumer surplus.

Question paper p.4 Mark scheme p.10 Examiner report p.10 Open in the tool Draw it: supply and demand diagram

Data response questions on consumer and producer surplus

AS Paper 2, March 2025, Q1(c)Consider4 marks

Case study: A global olive oil shortage

With reference to Fig. 1.2 and the help of a demand and supply diagram, consider the possible impact of increased olive oil prices in 2023 on consumer surplus.

Question paper p.3 Mark scheme p.9 Examiner report p.3 Open in the tool Draw it: supply and demand diagram

Multiple choice questions

AS Paper 1, November 2025, Q6
What is consumer surplus?
AS Paper 1, June 2025, Q9
An increase in which variable will always lead to an increase in the consumer surplus?
AS Paper 1, March 2025, Q7
The diagram represents the market for a good. Which statement is correct?
AS Paper 1, November 2024, Q10
The diagram shows a shift of the supply curve in a market from S1 to S2. How will the consumer surplus and producer surplus change?
AS Paper 1, June 2024, Q10
The diagram shows the impact of an increase in the price of a product from P1 to P2. Which area represents the consumer surplus after the price change?
AS Paper 1, March 2024, Q11
The diagram shows a competitive market in equilibrium with price P and quantity Q sold. Which area represents the producer surplus?
AS Paper 1, November 2023, Q7
A family is willing to pay a maximum of $600, $500 and $400 for air tickets for the mother, father and daughter to attend a wedding in another city. The airline announces a promotional air fare of $450 per ticket, provided at least three…
AS Paper 1, March 2023, Q12
The diagram shows the demand and supply of a good. When the market is in equilibrium, which area measures the difference between what consumers are willing and able to pay and what producers receive at that output?

Question text is quoted from the question papers, © Cambridge University Press & Assessment (UCLES), for students’ private study. Open the official papers and mark schemes from the links on each question. Examiner insights are written with AI assistance and moderated by Finn.

Essay questions on consumer and producer surplus

Data response questions on consumer and producer surplus

Multiple choice questions

More Cambridge International (CAIE) topics: 2 The price system and the microeconomy (AS)