Commodities

This briefing examines how the chicken and poultry commodities perform globally and in the largest countries in terms of supply. The report also provides data and analysis on chicken price dynamics and trends in the key meat-consuming industries.

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence among the key economies remains. Supply chain and commodities markets disruptions remain the key risks for…

Suriname remains among the ‘repressed’ countries in economic freedom ranking. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the economy, which has also suffered from currency devaluation causing a spike in inflation. Whilst the…

This briefing examines how the commodity market for beef is performing globally and in the largest countries in terms of supply and consumption. The report also provides data and analysis of beef price dynamics, and key meat consuming industries.

Respect of the rule of law and a dynamic private sector have led to superior economic freedom for Taiwan. However, geopolitical tensions are negatively impacting both the political and economic landscapes. Inflation has been controlled well, but the…

Although Israel enjoys economic freedom, the war with Hamas is weighing on the country’s economic outlook. A resilient economy is slowing, as higher defence spending burdens state finances and business activity is interrupted by the conflict, but…

Although Tonga is ‘moderately free’ for Economic Freedom, it is relatively stable politically and had solid state finances. The economy is overly reliant on remittances and tourism, which could lead it to underperform compared to its peers, whilst it…

Togo continues to grapple with inadequate enforcement of property rights and insufficient legal frameworks for land access, with the political system showing limited democratic elements. Strong economic growth is expected, surpassing regional…

Although Slovenia has been beset by political instability and corruption remains an issue, its economic freedom is one of the best in Eastern Europe. However, the economy is slowing, as inflation is elevated, whilst its highly open nature exposes its…

Increasing authoritarianism and corruption are resulting in mass protests, although fiscal discipline is leading to better state finances. Economic momentum is slowing, owing to high inflation and reduced external demand, but foreign investment…

Although political instability and corruption continue to be themes in Peru, economic freedom is the third best in South America. Inflation is falling, but the economy is slowing and copper exports could be hindered further, whilst uncertainty in the…

Amid advancing civil rights and fiscal improvements, political and economic landscapes in the nation evolve. Agriculture and tourism are set to boost economic growth, yet the country grapples with inflation and import reliance. Socially, robust…

Improving state finances and effective control of corruption are adding to Latvia’s economic freedom, but relations with neighbours continue to be tense. Economic momentum is moderating, owing to high inflation that is hitting consumption, but the…

In 2023, a war erupted in Sudan, exerting a severe impact on the nation's social and economic advancements. The economy is expected to undergo a substantial contraction, alongside the rise of a significant humanitarian crisis marked by casualties,…

Trinidad and Tobago is wealthy and stable; however, it is held back by a weak judiciary and high levels of corruption. Real GDP growth slowly recovered to pre pandemic pace, but oil and gas reserves will soon expire, hampering future growth. The…

St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoy political stability and low levels of corruption, but crime is rising. A small population that is hardly growing diminishes the appeal of the consumer market, whilst the populace is also ageing. Internet use is…

St Lucia’s stable and democratic island is challenged by endemic corruption and worsening labour freedoms. Economic growth recovered to pre-pandemic pace, but attempts at diversification need ramping up. Consumer expenditure is rising, but poverty…

St. Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation in the Caribbean, showcases political stability within a parliamentary democracy. Its economy hinges on tourism, agriculture, and a citizenship-by-investment program driving foreign investment. The country…

Conflict has shattered peace and caused significant political instability in South Sudan, where corruption is rife. Although the economy is expected to recover in the short term, its trajectory will be modest, whilst large dependence on oil continues…

Although government finances are solid and monetary freedom rank high, the Solomon Islands suffers from pervasive corruption and low investment freedom. Economic performance is expected to be below peers over the near term. The population is young…

In Sierra Leone, governance is being influenced by informal networks and traditional authorities. Global terrorism ranking is improving, but state finances are deteriorating. The country faces challenges from inflation and low economic…

Seychelles stands out in Africa with its stable political landscape and low corruption, but grapples with fiscal challenges. The economy is poised for recovery, driven by a resurgent tourism sector, though its heavy reliance on this industry presents…

Senegal's political landscape is marked by free elections and strong secularism, yet faces challenges with worsening peace and corruption perceptions. The economic growth is set to accelerate in 2024, bolstered by hydrocarbon production. The young…

High public debt and an inefficient judiciary characterise Sao Tomé e Príncipe (STP). Although the economy was negatively impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, adversely affecting tourism and commodity exports, recovery is nearing its…

Samoa is a politically stable country with a budget surplus. However, the large influence of the state and significant exposure to tourism could weigh on economic performance in the medium term. Although the country is young and growing, its…

Support from France is crucial to the development of French Guiana, but while the relationship is generally cooperative, instances where tensions arise happen. The country has a strong space industry. Population growth will be strong, but it is…

Zimbabwe faces significant challenges, marked by political repression and decreasing democratic freedoms. The economy, while showing solid growth in 2023, is expected to decelerate in 2024 due to slower global mineral demand and agricultural…

Zambia faces significant challenges, including widespread corruption and low degree of economic freedom. Country’s economy, heavily reliant on copper exports, is vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Despite projected economic growth, the nation…

Yemen’s political landscape has been devasted by civil war, also distressing state finances. Hopes are present for an economic recovery in the long term, if the war ends. Nevertheless, the country will continue to suffer from high unemployment and…

The US Virgin Islands has a good regulatory environment, which fosters business development. However, a lack of representation in the US is creating frustration amongst islanders. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism and post-pandemic recovery…

Tuvalu has favourable political freedom, but a high dependency ratio and poor regulatory environment. Economy slowly recovered from COVID-19 pandemic and related slowdown, bolstered by the seafaring sector. Nevertheless, further growth will remain…

Rwanda's political landscape is marked by a strong ruling party and improving global peace rankings, though challenges in fiscal health persist. Economic growth is set to surpass regional average, fuelled by consumption and services sector, despite…

Réunion, governed as a French overseas department is politically stable and has solid regulatory environment. Réunion’s economy is marked by high unemployment and dependency on imports, with France being a major economic support. The island has a…

Puerto Rico, a US territory, grapples with economic challenges such as high unemployment and debt amid debates about its political status. Culturally diverse, the island faces social issues like poverty and emigration. Yet, initiatives in technology,…

Papua New Guinea faces considerable hurdles, marked by pervasive corruption and limited economic freedom. Country’s economy, heavily reliant on the uncertain global commodity market, is further strained by low productivity due to extensive…

North Korea’s autocratic regime is the most repressed globally for economic freedom, which propagates corruption, but sanctions could bring the country to the negotiating table. The command economy has been crippled by these sanctions, and remains…

The political climate in Niger is marked by corruption and external influences, including the presence of terrorist groups and foreign military aid. Economically, the country is poised for above-average growth, heavily reliant on agriculture and…

An authoritarian regime using violence has reduced peace in Nicaragua and caused political instability. Consequently, the economy has suffered a prolonged recession, which has been exacerbated by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A major trade…

Namibia has a relatively stable political environment, reflecting positive economic prospects. Investment in telecommunications is set to boost revenue growth in the coming years. Rapid population and consumption growth indicate a demographic…

In Mozambique, ongoing conflict and corruption exacerbate economic challenges. The economy is hindered by high unemployment and reliance on agriculture. The young and growing population remains impoverished, facing healthcare and educational hurdles,…

In Mozambique, ongoing conflict and corruption exacerbate economic challenges. The economy is hindered by high unemployment and reliance on agriculture. The young and growing population remains impoverished, facing healthcare and educational hurdles,…

Mongolia is a peaceful country, but with high levels of corruption and fragile governance. The economic growth should accelerate in 2023, supported by the vast mining sector, but the country’s dependence on this sector leaves it vulnerable.…

Although Monaco enjoys political stability, questions remain over transparency in financial services. Given that tourism is a significant revenue earner, Monaco’s economy experienced a severe recession stemming from the Coronavirus (COVID-19)…

Although Moldova is ‘moderately free’ for economic freedom, Russia’s influence operations may spur instability. Economic growth to rebound over the near term, outperforming regional average. The population is shrinking and ageing rapidly, which…

Mauritius boasts a stable democracy and mature institutions, contributing to high economic freedom. Already highly diversified, the economy is set to grow in sectors like agro-processing and medical tourism. Country’s diverse population and low…

Mauritania suffers from political instability, whilst ethnic tensions are also a destabilising factor. However, government finances are relatively robust with fiscal room to manoeuvre. Recent hydrocarbon finds and rising commodity prices are expected…

Although Martinique does not suffer from undue corruption, its political environment has been prone to secessionist tendencies. Given that the economy is highly dependent on tourism, its recovery from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic remains slow.…

Malta is mostly free, helping businesses to flourish, but corruption is relatively widespread compared to regional peers. Foreign investors flock to the island, eager to participate in the financial services sector, but dependence on tourism and…

Mali's political scene is marked by instability, significant military influence, and widespread corruption, with large areas beyond government control. Mali’s undiversified economy is reliant on international aid and its agriculture sector. The…

Malawi has relatively stable governments, yet deteriorating global peace and terrorism rankings suggests concerns over increasing violence. Economic forecasts are optimistic, with growth expected to exceed that of regional peers over the long term,…