In which type of industry are cartels more likely to occur?

Cartels are more likely to occur in industries characterized by few competitors with similar product characteristics. This setting allows companies to establish collusion more easily since there are only a limited number of players that can coordinate their actions, such as setting prices or reducing production to increase profits. In such environments, the firms can monitor each other's behaviors closely, facilitating the ability to sustain any agreements made.

The homogeneous nature of the products makes it easier for these firms to communicate and agree on pricing strategies without fearing significant shifts in consumer preferences towards competitors. This can lead to anti-competitive behavior that seeks to maximize collective profits at the expense of consumer welfare.

In contrast, industries with many competitors and diversified products generally see a higher degree of competition, making it more challenging for firms to coordinate effectively as they would have to negotiate with a much larger group. Highly regulated industries might have restrictions that prevent the formation of cartels, while industries with high consumer demand could encourage competition as firms seek to capitalize on that demand rather than cooperating against it.