This book is an up-to-date investigation by one of the leading authorities on commodity trading that examines the way in which this situation has come about, the continuing importance of primary commodities to so many developing countries and current trading arrangements. The author looks into the possible solutions being proffered – from ideas to exploit new niche markets and improve quality, to more radical notions such asfair trade – and shows how they fail to measure up to the scale of the disaster facing the Third World.