An optimistic backdrop

The Non-Ferrous Metals Division program held in Dubai provided some backdrop for a touch of optimism for our business. Optimism on the part of all three of our speakers was encouraging to hear, especially for those of us whose domestic economies are in recession; any projected growth is music to our ears.

Yet to me, anyway, reality took hold on returning to the United States to the dismal news that the once arguably most powerful company on Earth had filed for protection under US bankruptcy laws. Once an icon of industrial power, and an integral part of industrial and even social power, its difficulties symbolized just how much America has changed from an industrial to a service-based economy. While funerals for America's industrial prowess are premature, it will seemingly play a smaller role in that economy's GDP as we move forward. Trends in consumption and in production of scrap will continue to change, and this will have a clear and dramatic effect on the non-ferrous scrap business worldwide.

All the more reason to be a part of BIR and to take advantage of the opportunities we provide to expand our businesses around the world.

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