International Commodity Markets and the Role of Cartels

This book provides a fresh look at the economics of modern commodity markets and the role of collusive international agreements in controlling world prices for natural resources. It goes beyond the example of petroleum and OPEC to also examine the structure of international commodity markets for bauxite (aluminum ore), cocoa, coffee, rubber, sugar, and tin, and the conditions that led to the formation of cartels in those markets during the latter half of the twentieth century.Specifically, the author addresses four major aspects of international commodity markets: patterns of production and consumption; economic dislocations to both importers and exporters due to price fluctuations; the formation of cartels in response to weak and variable commodity prices; and the likely effects arising from tightening raw material markets. The book also includes a detailed examination of the future of each of the cartels; and what role technology, 24-hour trading, and decreasing foreign direct investment in producing countries will have on commodity markets.