Impact of the Common Market on the Major Nonferrous Metals

The six countries which make up the European Economic Community-Belgium, France, German Federal Republic, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands-are populated by about 170 million consumers. Their economic abilities and their standard of living have increased at a high rate during the past few years. Consequently, the policies and trade practices adopted by the group will have International repercussions within the nonferrous Industry whether or not other nations are eventually admitted to the group. Considering the hopeful prospects of only a few months ago, it is surprising that we must now face up to the fact that Great Britain and Norway, in particular, will achieve membership status only after prolonged and difficult negotiations, if at all. However, this is but one of many factors that should remind us that the Common Market is yet in its formative stage and has by no means reached maturity.