What happens if either the buyer or the seller does not agree to the proposed terms of a trade?

When a buyer or seller does not agree to the proposed terms of a trade, the deal cannot be made. For a trade to occur, both parties must reach an agreement that reflects mutual consent to the terms, including the price and any other specific conditions of the exchange. If one party finds the terms unacceptable—whether due to price, quantity, or other elements—then their lack of agreement prevents the formation of a valid contract. This foundational principle in economics emphasizes the importance of voluntary exchange and consent in market transactions.

Options suggesting that the other party can enforce an agreement or that a mediator will step in do not accurately represent the voluntary nature of trades. Additionally, the idea that prices automatically adjust implies a level of market efficiency that wouldn’t account for a situation where the parties cannot come to terms. Therefore, without mutual agreement, the exchange simply does not happen.