64. Commodity conundrum: Why developing countries need to add value to their exports of raw materials

This episode of The Weekly Tradecast looks at commodities and the challenges for developing countries in adding value to exports with UNCTAD economist Clovis Freire.

Commodities cover everything from oranges to oil and timber to gold. And every economy needs them to run and grow.

But countries that rely very heavily on exporting commodities can face fickle swings in markets. Many developing countries are especially vulnerable because they ship raw materials for others to process, rather than adding value themselves.    

Listen in to UNCTAD’s Clovis Freire to find out what developing countries can do to make the most of their commodities while diversifying their economies in sustainable ways.