Fuel dispenser machines with green, orange and blue colors. Gasoline pump filling fuel nozzle

Focus Economics’ Key Commodity Forecast for 2024

Leer en Español

Discover the future of global commodities in 2024 as we navigate the dynamic landscape of energy, base metals, precious metals, and agriculture. Our expert analysts unveil key commodity forecasts, offering insights that span from rising energy prices to the delicate balance affecting copper’s short-term outlook.

Energy Price Forecast 2024

Our consensus for the energy price forecast of 2024 is that energy prices will average around 2% higher in 2024 than in 2023. This is mainly due to higher oil prices, which should be supported by ongoing OPEC+ cuts and stronger economic momentum in China—our panelists expect Brent crude oil to average at USD 86 per barrel next year. Gas prices are also forecast to rise, boosted by higher U.S. LNG exports and tight Russian gas supply. In contrast, coal prices are forecast to fall as countries increasingly shift to cleaner fuels.

Base Metal Price Forecast 2024

Softer economic growth in some key developed markets will see base metal prices average 3% lower in 2024 compared to 2023, according to our panelists. This will be partly offset by a likely uptick in economic momentum in China—the world’s largest consumer of most base metals—with further Chinese stimulus measures a key upside risk.

Precious Metal Price Forecast 2024

Precious metal prices are projected to be largely stable in 2024 from 2023. A slightly weaker U.S. dollar and rate cuts by global central banks will provide support to all precious metals. Moreover, silver will benefit from expanding electric vehicle and solar energy markets and platinum will gain ground due to the ongoing shift away from palladium in vehicles. That said, lower inflation will provide downward pressure, given precious metals are generally seen as a hedge against high prices. 

Agricultural Price Forecast 2024

Our analysts expect agricultural prices to average around 8% lower in 2024 compared to this year. The easing of drought conditions in Argentina and Uruguay will boost global grain supply, while Ukraine will gradually build alternative trade routes to overcome the expiration in July of the Black Sea Grain Initiative with Russia. Export restrictions in emerging markets, the adverse impact of El Niño and an intensification of the Russia-Ukraine war are upside risks.

Insights From Our Expert Analysts

On oil, EIU analysts said:

“The global oil market is set to remain extremely tight in 2024. We expect Saudi Arabia to observe the reduced production quotas that it has agreed with its partners in the OPEC+ group of oil exporters until the end of the first quarter of 2024. The country is also unlikely to increase output markedly over the rest of that year.” 

On copper, ING’s Ewa Manthey said:

“Although in the longer term, the outlook for copper remains bullish because of its key role in the energy transition, for 2024, it will be the supply and demand balance that will drive the copper price, with lagging Western demand and surging Chinese production dampening the outlook in the short-term.”

 

The latest commodities price projections at your fingertips with daily forecast updates

Unlock the potential of this compelling new feature by taking advantage of a complimentary demo or free trial. Delve into the experience and discover firsthand the valuable insights it brings to the world of commodities.

 

Free sample report

Access essential information in the shortest time possible. FocusEconomics provide hundreds of consensus forecast reports from the most reputable economic research authorities in the world.

Close Left Media Arrows Left Media Circles Right Media Arrows Right Media Circles Arrow Quote Wave Address Email Telephone Man in front of screen with line chart Document with bar chart and magnifying glass Application window with bar chart Target with arrow Line Chart Stopwatch Globe with arrows Document with bar chart in front of screen Bar chart with magnifying glass and dollar sign Lightbulb Document with bookmark Laptop with download icon Calendar Icon Nav Menu Arrow Arrow Right Long Icon Arrow Right Icon Chevron Right Icon Chevron Left Icon Briefcase Icon Linkedin In Icon Full Linkedin Icon Filter Facebook Linkedin Twitter Pinterest