What does supply refer to in economics?

Supply in economics specifically refers to the quantity of a good or service that producers are willing and able to offer for sale at a given price over a specific time period. It encompasses the actual availability of products in the market, directly connecting to how much of it can be provided. Understanding supply is crucial as it helps to determine market equilibrium, where supply and demand meet.

The concept of supply is distinct from other elements such as demand, which relates to how much consumers want a product, or pricing strategies and marketing methods, which are mechanisms by which businesses try to increase sales or manage the selling process. Supply focuses solely on the quantity that is ready for sale, making it a foundational concept in understanding how markets work.