OUTLOOK FOR ZINC.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 11, 14 January 1929, Page 4

OUTLOOK FOR ZINC.

RESTRICTION OF OUTPUT,

Compared with the quotation at the beginning of the year, the " spot " price of spelter at £26 15/ per ton is 10/ higher. During the year a drop in the price appeared to interest consumers. There was a recovery, and a steadier market has since existed. Sentiment in London is stated to be mostly in favour of a steady market at the current level, and there i* hope of a moderate advance in the not too distant future.

The European Zinc Institute, formed in May last, and representing Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, and Silesia, recently decided to negotiate with other producing countries to reduce production from January 1, 1930. Such action has been under discussion for many months, and opinions differ as to the likely outcome of the negotiations. In some quarters the «iew is held that any conclusion reached in regard to limitation of production by the members of the institute will be more or less unimportant without an understanding with the Canadian and United States zinc producers, who otherwise will be at libertj to produce and market zinc without restraint- The Americans are eaid to object Ktrongly to being limited to a fixed quota lor their exports oi zinc to Europe. American producers, it vs also are not in a position to enter into *ny agreement which has for its object the limitation of exports. While United Btatee law makes it valid to combine to iv^i 8,1 trade, a combination to TwE!i a? x J K,r $ e is obviously contrary to tionS Stat? " kw ' and COU W not be sane