Bridging the Gap: Why Commodities Trading Needs to Speak to Gen Z

By Charlotte Forsythe

I'm Charlotte Forsythe, a 21-year-old recent graduate from Nottingham Trent University. I’ve just begun my first week of work experience at Cititec , and if I’m being honest, I walked in knowing very little about commodities and even less about the world of trading. It wasn’t because I wasn’t interested. I just wasn’t aware. And from what I’ve seen, that seems to be the same for many of my peers.

As I started to research the field, I was struck by just how fundamental commodities are, not just to markets, but to daily life. For anyone unfamiliar, the commodities industry revolves around the production, trading, and distribution of raw goods like oil, gold, and wheat. These goods are often traded in large volumes, with prices shifting based on global supply and demand. The thing is, whether we realise it or not, we all feel those shifts. From the price of petrol to the cost of groceries, commodities directly impact the cost of living, something Gen Z is acutely aware of.

So why does commodities trading remain largely invisible to people my age?

Part of the reason is that commodities trading occurs mostly behind the scenes. Unless you’re studying specific subjects like economics or actively seeking it out, it rarely comes up in school or university. It certainly didn’t for me, anyway. Unlike household names, major commodities trading firms such as Glencore, Trafigura, and Vitol operate largely out of the public eye, making it harder for Gen Z to connect with them. That lack of visibility creates distance, making it easy to overlook an industry that’s actually everywhere.

To change this, the commodities industry could engage Gen Z in ways that resonate with our values and communication styles. As a digital-native generation, I think it's important to bridge the gap between complex markets and everyday life through creative, relatable strategies. One effective approach could be through short-form, visually engaging content on social platforms, which would offer an effective means of simplifying the field. One influencer who immediately comes to mind is Javier Blas ; here is a link to my favourite video of his where he explains why the price of coffee has increased.

Also, commodities trading isn't just all about oil, there are a growing number of companies that are involved in environmental commodities, take STX Group , for example. They have devoted over 15 years to carbon reduction and green energy trading, playing a key role in sustainability markets. For younger generations focused on the importance of sustainability and climate change, highlighting this connection between commodities trading and climate action could be key to making the industry more relevant and engaging.

I think if I were to give companies a piece of advice, from a Gen Z perspective, it would be this: Help us see the impact. We’re drawn to industries and careers that align with our values. In this case, if companies in commodities trading can clearly show how their work contributes to climate solutions and a more sustainable future, it will hopefully spark more interest and more engagement from younger generations.

For Gen Z, it’s all about connecting the market to the mission.