The World for Sale: Money, Power and the Traders Who Barter the Earth’s Resources

This book is a gripping exposé that delves deep into the secretive and complex world of commodity trading. This meticulously researched book sheds light on the powerful individuals and institutions that control and manipulate the earth's most precious resources, from oil and metals to food and water. Blas and Farchy, both seasoned financial journalists, have crafted a narrative that reads like a thrilling geopolitical thriller while providing a comprehensive understanding of how resource trading impacts our planet, economies, and societies. Their storytelling prowess keeps you engaged from start to finish, making the dense subject matter accessible and engaging. One of the book's standout features is its ability to humanize the key players in the global commodity trade. Through interviews, anecdotes, and a treasure trove of insider information, the authors paint vivid portraits of the traders and executives who pull the strings behind the scenes. These real-life characters add depth and personality to what might otherwise be a dry topic, making it relatable to readers from all walks of life. "The World for Sale" also skillfully explores the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the resource trade. It delves into questions of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and the economic disparities that arise from the exploitation of finite resources. The authors don't shy away from the controversies and scandals that have plagued the industry, offering a balanced perspective that encourages readers to think critically about the consequences of our global resource consumption. Moreover, the book provides valuable insights into the intricate web of politics, finance, and power that influences resource trading. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between governments, corporations, and traders, revealing the extent to which these entities shape the world's economic landscape. While the book offers a comprehensive look at the world of resource trading, some readers may find the sheer volume of information overwhelming at times. Additionally, a more in-depth exploration of potential solutions to the challenges posed by resource trading would have been a welcome addition to the narrative. The World for Sale"is an eye-opening and thought-provoking journey into the heart of global resource trading. Blas and Farchy have done a commendable job of demystifying a complex subject and presenting it in an engaging and accessible manner. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the forces that shape our world and the individuals who profit from its resources. It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies and consequences of the world's resource markets.

I worked in the (metal) mining industry my whole career. I used to wonder why some people in the background of the industry became incredibly rich, while those actually producing the ore and metals did not. Now I know.

I knew of commodity traders before reading this - how prices of metals, grain, coffee, oil etc. are traded. I innocently thought that they just helped buy and sell the goods internationally like a greengrocer or someone at a hardware store. How wrong I was. Countries have been on the verge of bankruptcy, saved by a few people with power to redirect oil tankers and arrange "quite dubious" loans to nations that now would fall fowl of international law. The commodity traders can make millions in profit just by seeing a trend that nobody else has.... they can also make huge losses should they fail. Russia, China, USA, Iran - any country of note (for better or worse) gets a mention. This is an excellent book - well written, no fluff or padding. It almost reads like a thriller at times as international deals are made with hours to spare. I've recommended this to the accountant at work and anyone else with a vague interest in financial matters. You won't look at the changing prices of supermarket staples in the same way ever again.

A fascinating review come exposé of global commodity trading. In parts it reads like a true life adventure, but most of it is a factual history of how commodities have been traded around the globe over the last 40 years or so. An age of trading empires which pretty much ignores international borders.

Arrived quickly enough. A very interesting book, gives you an idea of who really controls the economy and world trade. A fascinating read. Definitely recommended.

The book shows how the desire to make money regardless of who/where they have to trade. Interesting to see them create infrastructure to help create more money. The one failure for me was the focus on the trade in oil. It would have seen the work of commodity traders in other industry sectors.

I’ll be honest, it’s taken me a long time to work my way through this book. The book has a lot of stories going on within it - different markets, firms, countries etc, so it’s not the easiest to keep track of. There are certainly some interesting stories in here that I wouldn’t have known otherwise and it’s eye opening to see just how much influence/ power these traders have held. That said, it wasn’t a book ‘I couldn’t put down’ and after a while the stories all sort of had a similar theme to them which is perhaps why it took me a while to work through. I think if you’re really interested in the commodities market, then this book would be for you. While the subject does interest me, it was perhaps a bit too much for me. Didn’t have any issues with the written style or print quality or anything like that.

Amazing insight to how these companies made mega money. Upset world order to line their pockets at the expense of the producer and the consumer

Muito bem escrito e descrito. Traz muitas informações sobre este mundo das tradings mundo afora, além de histórias interessantíssimas!

When I was 16, a dear school friend first told me about Marc Rich. This book taught me everything about him, the CRAZY, INSANE world of Commodity trading & the MAD people who operate in this realm. This book is like a DEEP Gold mine? (I've never been in one). Once you get in, you have no clue where you are & getting out takes hours. It is an exhausting read but amazingly informative. Why you must read: - A (terrifying) reminder of how morals & ethics can evaporate when Profits & Business opportunities become irresistible. - The incessant energy of entrepreneurs & their undying will to succeed. - How Nations were saved & manipulated by commodity traders. - This book taught me what I would (personally) NEVER do in business. - Quotes: - Marc Rich + Co made so much money in the oil crisis of 1979 that it would have ranked as one of America’s 10 most profitable companies. - The Cargill family contains 14 billionaires – more than any other family in the world. - X would fly 1st class, booking a full row of seats to keep with him several large suitcases full of paperwork that he always carried with him everywhere. - "Always have something to sell." - The Dutch were wonderful, but they didn’t want to work outside nine to five. That ruled them out quite quickly. - Walking into Glencore’s headquarters at 8.30 a.m. would get you a sarcastic ‘good afternoon’ greeting :) - By the mid-2000s, Africa had become a place where the commodities that no one else wanted could be disposed of. - ‘It’s a business that shouldn’t be public,’ - PepsiCo briefly became one of the world’s largest naval powers when it agreed that, in exchange for the Pepsi it was selling to the Soviet Union, it would be paid with 17 Soviet submarines, a cruiser, a frigate and a destroyer. :) Must read (5-6 hours minimum)

Great read. Very insightful.

Muy buen libro para entender la historia de los "Traders"

Great book, maybe the best about commodity thematic.