TRADE REVIEW.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 89, 25 January 1938, Page 5

TRADE REVIEW.

THE PROSPECTS FOR WOOL. (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, January 23. The general opinion in Bradford is that Russian buying saved w'ool prices from declining at the London sales. France has also taken a good deal of wool as a hedge against a further fall of the franc.

The manufacturing end of the trade is surprised at the progress Italy is making as a supplier of woollen tissues to Britain. Belgium has also greatly increased her exports of wool carpets, and the trade is wondering how Italy can manage to supply more than half Britain’s total, imports of woollen tissues in view of the difficulties facing her manufacturers. Opinion is that the State is fostering this competition. British manulaeturers, however, are not perturbed in view of the marked expansion of their own export trade in finished goods. Demand continues good ior undergrade Empire butter, but choicest qualities are somewhat neglected. Holders are becoming anxious ancl willing to consider a shilling less than ruling prices. Stocks in cold store at present are light, and totalled »i9io tons at January 1, compared with 19.070 last year. The general retail price is at present 16d for Danish and Lid for finest Empire. Cheese prices have improved owing to the fact that buyers let stocks run down.