HM Treasury (UK)
Publication of global commodities: A long term vision for stable, secure and sustainable global markets
Ahead of the G8 Finance Ministers meeting in Japan this week, the Treasury is today publishing an analysis of the trend
and drivers in the commodity markets that have led to recent price increases: "Global Commodities: long-term vision for
stable, secure and sustainable global markets".
Global commodities: a long term vision for stable, secure and sustainable global markets
The paper sets out an analysis of the trend and drivers in the commodity markets that have led to the recent price
increases, and the international impacts on them. It then sets out the Government’s vision for how the international
community can work together to ensure efficient and effective global commodity markets that are a critical foundation of
economic growth and fairness and prosperity for all.
DOWNLOAD: Global commodities: a long term vision for stable, secure and sustainable global markets (PDF file 1.03MB)
NOTES
1. The document, Global Commodities, as well as analysing the trends and drivers behind recent price increases, also
analyses the international impacts of volatility in the commodity markets, and sets out the United Kingdom's vision for
how the international community can work together to ensure efficient and effective global commodity markets that are
such a critical foundation of economic growth and fairness and prosperity for all our citizens.
2. The document sets out a framework of six key principles which the United Kingdom propose should guide policy on
international, regional and national levels, and in the short, medium and long term:
* Economic stability - anchoring inflation expectations and delivering sustainable economic growth thorough sound
macroeconomic policies and well-targeted assistance from the International Financial Institutions;
* Openness - allowing markets to function effectively, removing tariff barriers and export subsidies and restrictions,
promoting structural reform and allowing all countries to trade;
* Cooperation - reform to the shape and role of the international commodity, trade and financial institutions, greater
transparency and a radically different level of dialogue between producers and consumers;
* Innovation and investment - stimulating the supply side growth through greater expenditure on research and technology;
* Fairness - working nationally and through international institutions to ensure that the poor and those hardest hit by
higher and more volatile commodity prices receive affordable access to the basic commodities they require; and
* Climate change - recognising that no approach to commodities will succeed that does not consider the impact on climate
change, including the need for an international agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and the need to ensure that
growth and development are climate resilient.
DOWNLOAD: Global commodities: a long term vision for stable, secure and sustainable global markets (PDF file 1.03MB)
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