Posted on 03/02/2009 in category Non-Ferrous

Non-Ferrous Metals Division world-wide monthly market update
by Robert Stein,
President of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division,
Alter Trading (USA)

Demand out pacing supply


Non-ferrous scrap markets are challenged by an almost universal lack of supply as industrial output and prices continue to decline. Demand clearly outpaces supply despite a continuing decrease in sales of the goods our consumers produce. There are simply too few pounds being sought by too many buyers.

On one front, there appears to be some hope - albeit fueled more by emotion than reality - and that's the change of administration in the USA. The hope that the new President may in some way dramatically change the economic situation in that country in short order is unrealistic - after all, America elected a politician, not a magician. If that hope translates into increased purchases of consumer goods, the economy will be well served.

Our sector of the recycling world is suffering through its worst time in decades and as we look to the spring months, which typically provide more liquid markets, our hopes are that by the time we meet in Dubai the current situation will be but a bad memory.

Seethe monthly world wide market update in our Members only section withreports from key countries.

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