Commodities

The energy industry recovered in 2021, given the rapidly increasing crude oil and natural gas prices, and lifting lockdown measures. Reopening global economies allowed for increasing mobility and industrial and commercial activities, stimulating…

The briefing examines how the forestry, wood and paper industry performs globally and in the largest countries in terms of forestry, wood and paper output. The report also provides data for production, market size, imports, exports, industry costs,…

The briefing examines how the rubber and plastic industry is performing globally and in the largest countries in terms of output. The report provides data for production, market size, imports, exports, industry costs, industry profitability and…

This report provides an overview of the global trends in sustainability that will shape the post COVID-19 world, from climate action and the decarbonisation of the economy to circular businesses, organic and regenerative agriculture and the global…

This report provides a global overview of commodity market trends from 2017 through to 2022, including price forecasts up to 2024 for the key commodities in the Agriculture, Energy and Metals sectors. Insights analyse long-term global trends that can…

The global economy is facing weaker growth and increasing fragmentation, as a result of rising geopolitical tensions, especially due to the war in Ukraine and the US-China strategic rivalry. Protectionism, industrial policy and a focus on resilience…

The global energy crisis has had far-reaching implications for consumers, businesses and entire economies, highlighting the importance of the global energy transition and boosting energy efficiency, while creating opportunities for innovation and…

Albania is advancing with its programme to join the European Union (EU), but the large informal economy and endemic problems still hold it back. Annual real GDP growth is expected to slow down over the near term. Albania offers a large labour force,…

Candidacy for European Union (EU) membership could improve Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) economic freedom, although corruption is pervasive. The country has a relatively diversified economic base and whilst inflation is moderating, the economy is…

With its very low tax burden and strong state finances, Bulgaria enjoys economic freedom, although political instability has been common. High inflation is adversely affecting the economy, but joblessness remains low. Although skills shortages are…

A low corporate tax rate and better finances are leading to enhanced economic freedom in Croatia, although corruption continues to be an issue and politics is moving to the right. Adoption of the euro could boost investment and tourism, but the…

Although Estonia enjoys substantial economic freedom and tackles corruption effectively, state finances are deteriorating but remain sustainable. The economy is experiencing recession and stagflation, whilst its highly open nature creates risks for…

Whilst Georgia’s government finances have improved and a low tax burden benefits businesses, governance is becoming more authoritarian and moving away from democratic ideals. Economic development was extremely robust in 2022, thanks to tourism,…

A low tax burden adds to Hungary’s economic freedom, but corruption remains an issue and state finances are under pressure. Economic performance has outpaced peers and unemployment is low, but inflation remains very high and will adversely impact…

Kosovo has suffered from significant political instability, whilst corruption is pervasive. Nevertheless, European Union (EU) accession is on the cards and the economy is expected to outperform peers in the near term. The consumer market remains…

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…

Although Lithuania enjoys economic freedom and solid state finances, relations with neighbours have worsened and add to uncertainty. The economy has been hindered by the highest inflation rate in the eurozone and output growth could enter negative…

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…

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,…

Although economic freedom has worsened and political instability persists, state finances have improved and taxation is low. North Macedonia’s economy has struggled under the weight of elevated inflation, but this is falling and foreign investment…