What happens to the supply curve when a nonprice determinant of demand changes?

When a nonprice determinant of demand changes, such as consumer preferences, income levels, or the number of buyers, it directly affects the demand curve rather than the supply curve. Nonprice determinants alter the overall demand for a good or service, reflecting changes in consumer behavior.

As a result, when one of these factors changes, the supply curve remains unchanged; it does not shift leftward or rightward. Instead, the effect is seen in the demand curve, which will shift in response to the new conditions in the market. For instance, if consumer income increases and people are able to buy more of a good, the demand curve shifts to the right, indicating a higher quantity demanded at each price; however, this does not alter the position of the supply curve itself. Thus, there is no effect on the supply curve from a change in a nonprice determinant of demand.