Introduction to Commodities Investing
Become a more intelligent investor by understanding the fundamentals of this fascinating market.
Module 1.1. Global Commodity Snapshot
A Quick Overview of Key Commodities and their Global Dynamics
Gold
Top Producers:
Source:
https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/precious-metals-investing/gold-investing/top-gold-producing-countries/
China
% of Global Production: 11.5%
2024 Mine Production (metric tons): 380
Russia
% of Global Production: 9.4%
2024 Mine Production (metric tons): 310
Australia
% of Global Production: 8.8%
2024 Mine Production (metric tons): 290
Canada
% of Global Production: 6.1%
2024 Mine Production (metric tons): 200
United States
% of Global Production: 4.8%
2024 Mine Production (metric tons): 160
Major Consumers: India, China, United States (for jewellery, investment, central banks)
Relevance: Inflation hedge, store of value, reserve asset
Crude Oil
Top Producers:
Sources:
https://tradingeconomics.com/country-list/crude-oil-production
https://www.rigzone.com/news/how_much_crude_oil_is_the_world_producing-25-nov-2024-178842-article/
United States
Approximate % of Global Production: 17%
Barrels per Day (million): 13.488 (Mar 2025)
Russia
Approximate % of Global Production: 13%
Barrels per Day (million): 9.795 (Feb 2025)
Saudi Arabia
Approximate % of Global Production: 12%
Barrels per Day (million): 9.184 (May 2025)
Canada
Approximate % of Global Production: 7%
Barrels per Day (million): 4.783 (Feb 2025)
China
Approximate % of Global Production: 6%
Barrels per Day (million): 4.340 (Feb 2025)
Top Consumers: United States, China, India
Price Insight: Influences inflation, transport costs, energy stocks, and geopolitics
Natural Gas
Top Producers:
Source:
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/natural-gas-by-country
United States
% of Global Production: 25.5%
2023 Gas Production (billion cubic metres): 1040
Russia
% of Global Production: 14.4%
2023 Gas Production (billion cubic metres): 586
Iran
% of Global Production: 6.2%
2023 Gas Production (billion cubic metres): 252
China
% of Global Production: 5.8%
2023 Gas Production (billion cubic metres): 234
Canada
% of Global Production: 4.7%
2023 Gas Production (billion cubic metres): 190
Top Exporters (LNG): Qatar, United States, Australia
Use: Heating, electricity generation, industrial energy
Wheat
Top Producers:
Source:
https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/production/commodity/0410000
China
% of Global Production: 18%
2024/2025 Production (million metric tons): 140.1
European Union
% of Global Production: 15%
2024/2025 Production (million metric tons): 122.12
India
% of Global Production: 14%
2024/2025 Production (million metric tons): 113.29
Russia
% of Global Production: 10%
2024/2025 Production (million metric tons): 81.6
United States
% of Global Production: 7%
2024/2025 Production (million metric tons): 53.65
Top Exporters: Russia, United States, Canada
Key Risk: Sensitive to weather, war (e.g. Ukraine conflict), and food security policies
Copper
Top Producers:
Source:
https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/base-metals-investing/copper-investing/copper-production-country/
Chile
% of Global Production: 23%
2024 Production (million metric tons): 5.3
D.R. Congo
% of Global Production: 14.3%
2024 Production (million metric tons): 3.3
Peru
% of Global Production: 11.3%
2024 Production (million metric tons): 2.6
China
% of Global Production: 7.8%
2024 Production (million metric tons): 1.8
Indonesia
% of Global Production: 4.8%
2024 Production (million metric tons): 1.1
Key Uses: Construction, electronics, electric vehicles (EVs)
Indicator: Known as “Doctor Copper” for signalling economic health
Coffee
Top Producers:
Source:
https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/production/commodity/0711100
Brazil
% of Global Production: 38%
2024/2025 Production (60-kg bags): 66.4 million
Vietnam
% of Global Production: 17%
2024/2025 Production (60-kg bags): 30.1 million
Colombia
% of Global Production: 7%
2024/2025 Production (60-kg bags): 12.9 million
Indonesia
% of Global Production: 6%
2024/2025 Production (60-kg bags): 10.9 million
Ethiopia
% of Global Production: 5%
2024/2025 Production (60-kg bags): 8.36 million
Major Importers: United States, Germany, Italy
Volatility Factors: Climate, pests, labour issues, currency fluctuations