Standards have become an increasingly important dimension in global trade. Without the capacity to meet the growing body of standards, producers may either have difficulty in entering global markets, or be relegated to unprofitable and low-margin niches. This paper overviews the history of...

1. Back to centre-stage -- 2. A new driver in the global economy -- 3. Commodities and economic growth -- 4. China as a driver of demand for commodities -- 5. A lagged supply response and the impact on commodity prices -- 6. The financialisation of the commodities sectors -- 7. How are...