The FT Commodities Global Summit is the pre-eminent event for senior executives, traders and financiers and the 2021 agenda will address the topics that matter most to the industry. The outlook for raw materials is brighter than at any time over the past decade. As the world recovers from the coronavirus crisis, governments are planning to spend big on commodity-intensive recovery programmes focused on job creation and environmental sustainability.

At the same time, low prices have forced producers to curb spending on new projects and expansions, holding back supply. This is not only true of oil, where investment has been slashed but also mining and agriculture. Some are predicting a repeat of the commodity supercycle of the 2000s - where prices hit record highs as China’s rapid urbanisation caught the industry napping. Others are more cautious, warning the energy transition and greening of the global economy will proceed at a much slower pace. One thing however is not in doubt: commodity traders will look to seize the opportunities as markets evolve and fundamentals change.

Conference website