Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-24
SUMMER BUSINESS
OUTLOOK IS GOOD
Major industries Expected to
Continue Activities at
Fairly Brisk Pace.
BY ]. C. ROYLE.

Reports from the so-called key indus
tries of the country tend to substanti-
ate the declaration of the Secretary of
Commerce, Robert P. Lamont, that the
steel industries can be expected to con-
tinue definitely at the present rate of
operations, which are fairly satisfactory.
Operations in the steel trade are n:~
approaching capacity, but it must %
borne in mind that what was capacity
two or three years ago now represents
only 80 or IS per cent of capacity. This :,
has been brought about by improvement
In worker efficiency and mechanical
equipment. Since the production of
iron and steel is based largely on ac-
tivity in the automobile trade, in build
ing and construction and in railroad
operations, activities in the three great
industries also may be expected to con-
tinue at fairly brisk pace throughout
the Summer months.
Export Trade.
Export trade in steel is likely to suf-
fer to certain extent during the next
three months, until foreign nations know
definitely what effect the American
tariff will have on their international
trade
The demand from oil and gas oper-
ators can be counted on to maintain
fairly stable proportions III view of the
construction of large and expensive gas
pipe lines over long distances in nearly
every section of the United States. De-
mand for steel from the mining indus
try is not expected to be up to normal
The non-ferrous metals have suffered
sharp price cuts in some instances. AS
result copper, silver, lead and zinc
production is being held down and not
an unnecessary scent piece is being
spent by mine owners.
So far this year has been an I'M
satisfactory. one for the railroads. Car
loadings have dropped below the level
of 1929, but the carriers are now ap-
preaching the season when both their
freight and passenger business is on the
upswing. This is certain to continue
until the end of the harvest and until
the end of the tourist season next
August. No sharp curtailment of equip
ment expenditures by the roads is to be
anticipated.
In the textile field raw materials are
in an unfavorable position, but this is
to the advantage of the manufacturers.
Wool production undoubtedly will be
heavy, and wool consumption Is I'M
likely to be IN excess of that OF last
year. Strenuous efforts have been made
to hold down cotton acreage. 1t Is
still far too early to gauge exactly the
effect of these efforts, but 1t Is be-
lieved the weather will be found to be
a determining factor in the size of the
cotton croT, as it so often has been in
the past. The statistical position of
cotton is not unfavorable, but the pros
pective demand from abroad does not
raise hopes very high as to prices for
the staple.
Cotton textiles are in far better shape
than they have been for some time,
and the more progressive manufac-
turers are undoubtedly showing a profit
at the moment. This is also true of
the WOODEN manufacturers. The tire
cord and fabric producers, however, are
feeling the effects of the diminution Of
automobile output on the tire trade.
Radio Industry.
The radio industry is approaching
the slackest period of its year, but sales
of receiving sets still are of remarkable
proportions. They have been stimu-
lated, however; by sharp price cuts. A
good many radio manufacturers are
Supplementing their original lines with
refrigeration units, which they hope
will 60 far to take up any slack that
may follow the dull period of the radio
year.
The construction industry is pilins
up impressive totals, but most of these
figures come from operations devoted
to the construction of streets and high
ways. City paving contracts are at
high level, and this Is causing consider
able anxiety to street railways, which
in many cities are compelled to bear
the cost Of new paving between and
alongside their tracks
Copyright. 1901