rawmaterials

Raw materials are basic substances used to manufacture goods and provide the inputs for production processes. They are typically obtained by extraction, cultivation, or collection from the natural environment and are distinguished from finished products and consumer goods.

They fall into several broad categories: energy resources such as crude oil, natural gas, and coal; metals and minerals such as iron ore, copper, and nickel; and agricultural and biomass commodities such as cotton, wheat, timber, and sugar. Some raw materials are renewable, like timber and certain crops, while many are non-renewable, such as fossil fuels and most metal ores.

After extraction or harvest, raw materials may undergo processing to convert them into usable components. This can include refining, smelting, pulping, milling, or chemical treatment. Some materials, like timber or soy, can be used with minimal processing, but most require further value addition along the supply chain.

Markets for raw materials are global and price sensitive. They are traded as commodities and influenced by supply disruptions, mining and farming rates, geopolitical events, and macroeconomic trends. Countries rely on imports for feedstocks; stockpiles and strategic reserves exist for energy materials.

Sustainability concerns shape the raw materials sector. Extraction and processing raise environmental and social impacts, including habitat loss, emissions, and labor issues. Sustainable sourcing, certification, recycling, and circular economy approaches aim to reduce waste and extend material lifecycles.