[Grammar] for higher prices

[LQZ]

Analysts said a chaotic pricing system had created a two-tiered market, fueling corrupt deal-making. Many large state-run steel companies in China agree to long-term contracts at a set price with foreign suppliers, while smaller steel mills compete to buy supplies on the open market, often for higher prices. ---taken from the NYT

Dear teachers,

I repeatedly read the original text , and still think 'at' should be used when we say we buy something associated with its price. Now, I am thinking whether there are in the original some implication I can't uderstand, but maybe a native speaker can easily catch up with? or 'for' is wrongly used? Could you clear up my doubt? Thanks.


LQZ

 

[RonBee]

I think you could use either "at" or "for" in the phrase "often for higher prices".

 

[LQZ]

:-DThank you, Ronbee, I've got it.