A Handbook of Primary Commodities in the Global Economy

by Marian Radetzki

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 commodity nationalism.

244 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Truls Ljungström]

En mycket spännande genomgång av mönstren i internationell varuhandel ur ett makroekonomiskt perspektiv. Lättläst för att vara vad ämnet är, men full av sambandskartläggning.

[Luciano]

The best introduction I've found to how global commodity markets work and their implications to the economy.

[Sjors]

Good first qualitative overview of the primary commodities markets. While I don't agree with some of the claims made by the authors, especially in respect of their claim that progressive oil reservoir depletion will not push oil prices higher over time, I was generally happy to read through the text and pick up useful little bits here and there. Would recommend to those wanting a first general overview of the commodities markets without complicated formulae.