What is a subsidy? Definition and meaning

A Subsidy is a quantity of money given directly to companies, organizations, or individuals by the taxpayer (government). Subsidies can play a pivotal role in a government’s economic policy, often used to steer the economy towards certain strategic objectives or to stabilize market fluctuations.

Subsidies aim to encourage production, boost exports, promote research, prevent a business from collapsing, or reduce unemployment. They are also introduced to make the price of a product more affordable to consumers.

A subsidy may consist of financial assistance to help producers of something compete more effectively in the marketplace. In this context, the term ‘marketplace‘ means the same as ‘market‘ in its abstract sense.

The most basic form of subsidy is a cash payment or grant. Grants generally refer to time-limited payments that are linked to specific investments.

Grants may also enable a company to cover all or part of its general costs. Some grants target specific activities, such as research.

The word ‘subsidy’ comes under the umbrella term ‘financial assistance.’

According to Oxford Dictionaries, a subsidy is:

“1. A sum of money granted by the state or a public body to help an industry or business keep the price of a commodity or service low.”

“2. A sum of money granted to support an undertaking held to be in the public interest. 3. A grant or contribution of money.”

Consumption subsidy

Consumption subsidies aim to aid the behavior of consumers. Most consumption subsidies are found in developing nations. Specifically, where the government makes the price of basic foods, utilities, and education more affordable.

The Mexican Government, for example, subsidized corn tortillas for 25 years. Tortillas are to Mexicans what rice is to the Chinese, potatoes to the British, or baguettes to Parisians.

In 1999, the subsidies ended. There was subsequently an angry backlash, particularly among impoverished Mexicans who relied on the staple food.

Export Subsidy

If the government in Country A subsidizes the export of bananas, farmers in Country B cannot compete. Citizens in Country A will be paying more for their bananas than people in Country B.

Export subsidy

Export subsidies consist of financial support from the taxpayer for goods that are sold abroad, i.e., exported. Hopefully, the subsidies will improve the country’s balance of payments.

According to many economists, subsidies may benefit consumers because they pay less than the market price. However, they also hurt the subsidizing nations.

  • Subsidies in China

China’s extensive export subsidies have helped give the country an advantage in sectors where they previously had no comparative advantage.

The auto parts, paper, glass, steel, and solar industries, for example, have benefited enormously.

Industrialists in North America and Europe regularly complain that Chinese export subsidies make it virtually impossible to compete.

Recently, investigative journalists have shown that export subsidy abuse in China is damaging the country.

Employment subsidy

Employment subsidies or wage subsidies act as incentives to get employers to provide more job opportunities. This subsequently reduces unemployment.

The taxpayer provides assistance with wages. In Australia, for example, wage subsidies are made available to employers who take on eligible job seekers.

Eligible people include long-term unemployed individuals, mature-age workers, and indigenous people. Very young workers are also eligible.

According to Australia’s Department of Employment:

“Wage subsidies can help employers to expand their business and employ new staff, which will help boost the economy and create more jobs.”

Transport subsidies

Many governments across the world subsidize public transport, particularly rail, air, bus, and subway (UK: underground) transport. Their subsidies decrease congestion and reduce pollution.

They also help create more wealth by getting people to work and business appointments more rapidly.

Put simply; investing in transport infrastructure helps improve productivity within an economy.

European Union railways absorb €36 billion of public subsidies annually.  According to the European Commission, €36 billion is nearly as much as they earn from fares.

China is a massive investor and subsidizer of rail transport and infrastructure. In 2015, China invested more than $128 billion in domestic railway construction.

Some governments see airport subsidies as unfair because they distort the free-market, level playing field.

The EU criticizes Germany for its high number of subsidized (loss-making) airports, which low-cost carriers use.

In many countries, roads and highways (UK: motorways) are paid for fully by the government rather than tolls.

German railway operators say it is unfair that long-distance bus services pay no tolls. German railway companies, on the other hand, have to pay track access charges.

Agricultural subsidy

Many governments give subsidies to farmers to supplement their income and influence the cost and supply of agricultural commodities.

Examples of subsidized agricultural commodities include lamb, mutton, pork, beef, tobacco, peanuts, rice, milk, cotton, and grains.

While farmers think these financial incentives are great, many people criticize them.

In fact, the agricultural subsidies in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Japan are bad for farmers in developing countries.

Farmers in developing nations eventually abandon their farms and move into cities. Many of them migrate to the advanced economies to find work, some economists claim.

International trade agreements often address the issue of subsidies, seeking to balance support for domestic industries with the need to prevent market distortions and unfair competitive advantages.

“Subsidy” and its derivatives

There are many derivatives of the word “subsidy.” Let’s take a look at them, learn about their meanings, and how we can use them in a sentence:

  • Subsidy (noun)

A sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a service or commodity may remain low or competitive.
Example sentence: “The new subsidy for electric vehicles aims to make them more accessible to the average consumer.”

  • Subsidize (verb)

To support financially; to provide funds or a grant to pay for a portion of the cost of goods or services.
Example sentence: “The government decided to subsidize renewable energy projects to promote a greener economy.”

  • Subsidized (adjective)

Paid for in part with public or governmental funds.
Example sentence: “She lives in subsidized housing, which makes her rent much more affordable.”

  • Subsidizer (noun)

A person or organization that provides a subsidy.
Example sentence: “The state acts as a subsidizer in the agricultural sector, ensuring food prices remain stable.”

  • Subsidization (noun)

The action of providing a subsidy.
Example sentence: “The subsidization of the arts has allowed many theaters to keep their doors open to the public.”

  • Subsidizing (verb, present participle)

Currently providing a subsidy.
Example sentence: “The government is subsidizing the cost of healthcare for low-income families.”

  • Subsidies (noun, plural)

Sums of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a service or commodity may remain low or competitive.
Example sentence: “Agricultural subsidies are essential for farmers who struggle with the volatility of the market.”

  • Subsidially (adverb)

    Note: This form is not standard and is very rarely used, if at all.

In a way that pertains to or is characteristic of a subsidy or subsidies.
Example sentence: “The company grew subsidially, relying heavily on governmental financial support.”

  • Unsubsidized (adjective)

Not supported with public or governmental funds.
Example sentence: “Unsubsidized loans often have higher interest rates than their subsidized counterparts.”

Video – What is a Subsidy?

This interesting video presentation, from our YouTube partner channel – Marketing Business Network, explains what a ‘Subsidy’ is using simple and easy-to-understand language and examples.