BIR World Mirror Non-Ferrous 95, 2010/11

Better than imagined

Year-end book squaring, inventory balancing, and Western World holidays are the usual culprits when it comes to fourth-quarter declines in demand for our products. Fortunately, at least at the time of writing, few signs of these annual phenomena are in evidence.

As we enter the “home stretch” of 2010, we can all hopefully reflect on a year that was better than what we had likely imagined as we looked forward in late 2009. Metals prices have served us well; there have been few reports of recipients walking away from their contractual agreements; and the year will likely be looked upon from an historic point of view as a success.

International economic scenarios provide us with a plethora of opportunities, and the transparency with which we can do business improves on an almost daily basis. It amplifies the need, and the value, of taking full advantage of your BIR membership. Here, in our own way, our reports offer you insight into markets around the world. Crafted by our peers, none of whom is a “reporter” in the true sense of the word, The Mirror is unlike any other non-ferrous publication in the world. I thank all of the Non-Ferrous Metals Division board members who take the time every month to give you insight as to what is happening in their part of the world.

Robert Stein
Alter Trading (USA)
President of the Non-Ferrous Metals Division
18 October 2010

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