To make our analysis concrete we will consider a specific market the market for aluminum. The supply and demand curves in the market for aluminum. The supply and demand curves contain important information about costs and benefits. The demand curve for aluminum reflects the value of aluminum to consumers as measured by the price they are willing to pay. At any given quantity the height of the demand curve shows the willingness to pay of the marginal buyer. In other words it shows the value to the consumer of the last unit of aluminum bought. Similarly the supply curve reflects the costs of producing aluminum. At any given quantity the height of the supply curve shows the costs of the marginal seller. In other words it shows the costs to the producer of the last unit of aluminum sold. In the absence of government intervention the price adjusts to balance the supply and demand for aluminum. The quantity produced and consumed in the market equilibrium. T