As countries around the world contend with the health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic,
The global economic shock of the pandemic has driven most commodity prices down and is expected to result in substantially lower prices over 2020, the April Commodity Markets Outlook reports.
Here is a look at the outlook for commodity markets in six charts:
1. The pandemic has led to widespread commodity price declines
Most commodity prices are forecast to be lower in 2020 than 2019, with energy the most affected, and agriculture the least. The risks to the price forecasts are large in both directions and depend heavily on the speed at which the pandemic is contained and mitigation measures are lifted. [Executive Summary, Figure 1.A]
2. The crude oil market has been affected most by the pandemic
Crude oil prices are forecast to average $35/bbl in 2020, reflecting an unprecedented collapse in oil demand. Brent crude oil prices have declined 70 percent from their January peak, and a historically large production cut by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil producers failed to lift prices in April. All crude oil benchmarks have seen sharp falls, with some briefly dropping to negative levels. Crude oil demand is expected to decline almost 10 percent (y/y) in 2020, more than twice as much as any previous fall. [Energy Figure 1.D]
3. Metals have fallen as industrial demand has collapsed
Stimulus measures and rising supply concerns have had a limited impact so far in supporting metal prices. The declines in metals prices resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are—for now—less severe compared to the global financial crisis. [Metals chapter Figure 12.A]
4. Prices for food commodities except rice fell
Rice prices, however, increased due to announcements of policy restrictions by some East Asian producers and weather-related production shortfalls. [Ag chapter Figure 6.B]
5. Despite well-supplied markets, food security is a concern
For major staple food commodities, stock-to-use ratios are very high by historical standards. Nevertheless, recent announcements by some key exporters, as well as “excess” buying by some importers have raised concerns about food security. If such concerns become widespread, hoarding may result. Low-income countries are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, as food accounts for a much larger proportion of their consumption than in other emerging market and developing economies. [Special Focus, Figure SF 2.B]
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The governments are generally supposed to ensure that there are no cartels and that prices are decided by market forces. But OPEC was a cartel by the oil producing countries, for the oil producing countries and of the oil producing countries. Only objective was to maximize their profits. CORONAVIRUS has ensured that OPEC members are brought to their knees. Wherever humans fail to act and deliver justice, God Almighty comes in some form to do justice.
Good work keep it up we are proud of you here in Africa.
Sir I think that every learned man should participate for the Economic and Social Development his country so that his country people's can get benefits for their welfare . For example , I request to all my countrymen to grow a fruit-tree of their choice at any suitable place where the lookafter their grown trees . I think if my country peolples act on my request that 80% grown trees will provide fruit within five years. Some fruit trees provide fruit fruit within one year like Banana Crops . Hence all my country people get cheap fruit within the reach of every person. Hence eating daily fruit provide the concerned persons will surely provide health benefits which they can enjoy for the betterment of their good health.I hope my request to my country men and women will prove very beneficial for their person.With best wishes for all people's of my Country namely Pakistan ,also my best regards and wishes for all people's based Worldwide. Your Sincerely, Shafique Ahmed.
A very short but focus KPI. I m going to use those data for my official report writing.
Keep posting such KPI regularly.
WTI crude oil prices flashed red and dropped from the daily high to below $34.00 mark while represented 0.34% losses on the day @fxleaders. This can go sideways as more and more countries are under lockdown. More or less, there is no need to panic.
Very interesting charts and rich data as on April 23 2020. Thanks. Curious to know how these charts look like as lock down is lifted across the world & economic activities resume. Charts for each quarter in 2020 & 2021 would help in understanding how economic recovery is taking place & are there any trends to indicate the 'new normal'. Thanks
The movement of Prices of Some agri-food commodities could be seasonal. You need to take consideration of seasonality. Here you compared prices from one week in January to one week in April. Because of production cycle, prices of food commodities tend to be lower after harvest and tend to increase as stock draw down and until the harvest of next crop. Production cycle and seasonality should be consider when comparing prices of food commodities. The chart does seems to do that. THanks