Learn more about commodity trading in Rotterdam.
Commodity Trading Hub Rotterdam
Commodities are critical for the global economy as they literally power the world, feed the planet and provide the essential inputs in all the devices (e.g. smartphones) and household appliances (e.g. shampoo) that make our lives easy. These commodities are traded all over the world. The value is estimated at 5 trillion dollars a year, with an estimated value of around 6 trillion dollars a year. The commodity traders are the essential spiders in the web; they make sure these commodities are delivered to the right place, at the right time and in the right form and they cover the complex risks for their customers.
Yet very little is known among the general public about these commodity traders, what role they play in global supply chains and what role Rotterdam plays as the Maritime Capital of Europe, in the past, today and in tomorrow’s world.
In a portrait triptych business leaders show their devotion for commodity trade and Rotterdam. In this second portret Sacha Konan, Country Director Benelux & France at VARO Energy expresses his passion for commodity trade and Rotterdam.
"If you ask me what the profile is of a trader you should picture someone who's curious by nature. Someone with a positive attitude, who always thinks in opportunities and who has the ability to turn those opportunities into realities."
VARO Energy
VARO Energy (“VARO”) is an energy company operating throughout the complete downstream fuel supply chain with refining, storage, blending, distribution, sales and marketing assets. It safely delivers high-quality products from fossil and renewable sources to its national and international business customers and end-consumers.
VARO’s Benelux headquarters are in the port of Rotterdam. De company’s activities in Rotterdam result from the merger between VARO Energy and Argos Oil, founded in Rotterdam, in 2015. Sacha Konan highlights how the trade in commodities has changed over the last 30 years, the importance of the port of Rotterdam as a global energy complex in transition and how in the near future trade will be more defined by sustainable and renewable energy and non-fossil fuels.
