A Handbook of Primary Commodities in the Global Economy

Bol

The dramatic price falls of 2014–2015 marked the end of the most powerful and enduring commodity boom since the Second World War. Now in its third edition, this book acts as a guide to the ins and outs of the primary commodity universe. Updates to this edition reflect on the consequences of both China's economic slowdown as its industrialization enters a new, less commodity demanding phase, and changes in the USA's trade policy under the Trump administration. Additionally, this edition takes into account recent developments in world oil markets and examines the effects of increased climate concerns. The authors introduce and explain pertinent issues surrounding international commodity markets such as the Global geography of raw materials, price formation, price trends, the role of commodity exchanges, the threat of depletion, cartel action, state ownership, emerging commodity nationalism and more.

Bol Partner

The world is going through an exceptional commodity boom triggered by a global demand shock largely caused by the sudden emergence of China and India as sizeable raw material importers. Prices of numerous commodities tripled between 2003 and 2006, resulting in huge windfalls for producers and a financial squeeze on consumers. A Handbook of Primary Commodities in the Global Economy is a guide to the ins and outs of this increasingly crucial part of the world economy. Assuming nothing more from readers than a basic understanding of economics, Marian Radetzki introduces and explains pertinent issues surrounding international commodity markets such as the global geography of raw materials, price formation, price trends, the role of commodity exchanges, the threat of depletion, cartel action, state ownership and the new commodity nationalism.