| Publication |
2011.
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| Summary/Abstract |
INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN COMMODITIES is the most traditional form of international trade and makes up more than 20% of world exports. Minerals account for more than 12%, and agricultural commodities and food, for about 9%.
The main distinctive feature of mineral and agricultural resources is their uneven distribution. Their production or cultivation is mostly concentrated in a relatively few countries. The consumption of these resources is even more concentrated. Moreover, the consumption of mineral and agricultural raw materials usually does not coincide with the areas of their production and processing. There is a wide gap between producing and consuming countries, and this enhances the role of world markets in the redistribution of resources. The share of exported oil reaches 55% of its production; about 46% of all iron ore produced in the world, 43% of copper ore, 37% of zinc, etc., is exported. As for agricultural commodities, 25% of total output is supplied to the world market.
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