The monetary policy discussion centering around the dollar and the economic policy measures of the US Administration have been causing great confusion In some of the world’s commodity markets. The general uncertainty Is likely to persist In the markets In 1972.

For two years now the international raw materials markets have been characterised by a lasting slump. The weak and short-lived reactions to the Falklands crisis and to the intensification of hostilities between Israel and its Arab neighbours are indicative of the situation. During this year's...

Following the abatement of the boom market during the early months of 1983, the coming months will see an “adjustment” of world market prices for industrial raw materials to “fundamental” market conditions. Price fluctuations are likely during this period. A gradual increase in demand...

Since April 1984 there has been a general fall in world market prices for industrial raw materials following upon increases which, in some cases, had been quite considerable. What are the reasons for this development? What are the prospects for 1985?

During the course of 1986 the prices of most raw materials were under considerable pressure. For 1987 there are no indications of a fundamental change in price trends on world markets.

1987 saw a change in trends on many international raw materials markets. Prices, which had been under pressure for several years, began to rise again. This trend cannot be expected to continue everywhere in 1988, however.

Due to the slow-down in the worldwide increase in business activity, the growth of demand for raw materials is expected to decelerate. Production, on the other hand, will continue to increase rapidly.