Not all commodities are suitable for futures trading. Among many physical commodities, only those with the following attributes can be listed as futures contracts.

First, the price fluctuates greatly. Only when commodity prices fluctuate greatly, traders who intend to avoid price risks need to use forward prices to determine prices first. For example, some commodities are subject to monopoly prices or planned prices, and the prices are basically unchanged. There is no need for commodity operators to use futures trading to avoid price risks or lock in costs.

Second, the supply and demand are large. The function of the futures market is based on the extensive participation of both the supply and demand sides of commodities. Only goods with large spot supply and demand can fully compete in a wide range and form authoritative prices.

Third, it is easy to classify and standardize. The quality standard of the delivered goods is stipulated in the futures contract in advance. Therefore, futures varieties must be commodities with stable quality, otherwise, it will be difficult to standardize.

Fourth, it is convenient for storage and transportation. Commodity futures are generally forward delivery commodities, which requires these commodities to be easy to store, not easy to deteriorate and easy to transport, so as to ensure the smooth delivery of futures.