A trade house, or trading house, refers to a business that specialises in the international trade in commodities. They engage in various activities, such as procurement, distribution, arbitrage and risk management. Trade houses can deal in a range of commodities, including oil, gas, metals, grains and more. They often have a global presence, with operations in various countries, and play a critical role in the supply chain, bridging gaps between producers and end-users. Examples include Glencore, Trafigura and Vitol.