Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-19
Washington Ticker
BY CHARLES p. sHAEFFER.

Russia bids fair to eclipse all former
records in her commerce with the
United States in 1880 If the first four
months trade between the two coun-
tries may be taken as a criterion.
For the calendar year to May l..
American exports to Russia had reached
total of approximately SIS 1000, 900,
or about two-thirds of the total amount
for last year. At the same time imports
amounted to $7,206, 846, or a favorable
balance of trade of approximately $49,-
100000 for the four months. During
1929 imports totaled $22, 100000, leav-
ing favorable trade balance of about
$50, 000,0O0
While the remaining eight months of
1880 will not likely provide such lu-
crative market as the past, Commerce
Department officials entertain little
doubt that last years totals, particu-
larry outgoing cargoes will be surpassed
These officials point out that 1929 was
subnormal year in our foreign COM
merce, due in large measure to a yelled
threat Of the Soviet which curtailed its
foreign buying in this market in the
hope of inducing official recognition
Offsetting this factor, however, is the
improved feeling between the Soviet and
England due to resumption of official
recognition some time ago which Is Just
becoming apparent in commerce.
Russian buying Is more or less sea-
sonal, it was pointed out, caused by I'M
certain budget appointments, which
| become definitely known on October I,
| beginning the new fiscal year. This has
a tendency to group purchasing, it was
said, particularly in the case of the
| United States, which is the primary
fnTs e.
chinery, which are sold for delivery be-
fore March /.
| Industrial machinery is responsible
for about one-third of all Soviet buying
in this country. Large increases are
also occurring in electric station equip
ment, and particularly other transport
material, and particularly in tractors,
Russia representing two-thirds of total
foreign consumption of this article.
Purchases of cotton are falling off.
Sales OF Russian products in Ameri-
can markets are showing decreases in
agricultural and aninl@l products. but
increases in other groups. Fllrs. lum-
Der. precious metals, manganese ore and
coal accounted for most of the increase
in the latter groups.
Germany. remains the chief country
| or origin OF imports and destination nj
exports for Soviet Commerce follnved
by England, with the United States in
third position. 1t is significant that the
Two leading market sources have I'M
favorable trade balances with Russia
while the United States balance is ia
vorable.
Germany during the fiscal year 1929
~ dlo a gross business of 397 600 O0C
rubles. with a trade balance of 90
100000 in favor of Russia. Encland's
gross was 237 100000 rubles. with un-
favorable balance of $4,000 600 In
the case OF the United States during
the same period total exchanges were
valued at 19l 900 900 rubles with ia
Voraole balance Of 114000O 600 rubles.
Reports to the Bureau of Mines are
to the effect most railroads in Alabama
are taking from 10 to IS per cent below
their regular minimum coal purchases,
and that mines producing domestic
household sizes of coal are operating
from rs to so per cent Of capacity,
Many dealers are said 10 lack funds
with which to even pay the FREIGHT rate
on coal, although they could make
credit arrangements with operators.
In Colorado domestic coal mines are
operating two and three DAYS a week
and steam coal mines are running three
to four days a week. The current
month is expected to show an i'm
proved demand for domestic sizes. The
Colorado and New Mexico markets ap-
pear to be demoralized, orders being
confined to small lots, with no book
ings for future business.
Il In Southern Illinois the demand foi