作为世界贸易一个重要组成部分的国际商品市场，1996年以来一度略显活跃，但总的说来，需求疲弱，市况依然不景气。初级产品价格继上年出现转软和下跌后，1996年以来又趋下落，工业制成品价格虽保持坚挺，但不少商品价格也有下跌。据英国《经济学家》周刊编发的、综合反映国际 The international commodity market, an important part of world trade, has been somewhat active since 1996, but in general the demand is weak and the market conditions are still sluggish. Prices of primary products have been declining since 1996, while prices of industrial products have remained firm since the softening and declining of the previous year. However, prices of many commodities have dropped. According to the British “Economist” magazine compiled comprehensively reflect the international