A Handbook of Primary Commodities in the Global Economy

by Marian Radetzki

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.

332 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sjors · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.