Ships

★ Norway’s January Trade Surplus Soars To 5.8 Billion Euros (7.65 Billion Dollars)

News Analysis: Norway’s 4.7+ Million Residents had their Country experience a January Trade Surplus of 5.8 Billion Euros which is an increase of 41.8% over January, 2013!

Norway’s Territory of 323,802 Km2 (125,020 Mi2) is rich with Gas, Oil, Mineral, and Timber. As such, it has provided for the following:

In January, Norway exported 43.4 Million Barrels of Oil; a 30% increase from the previous January. 

Its Fishing Resources are almost unmatched by other countries. In January it exported 695+Million Euros (916 Million Dollars) worth. Fresh Salmon Exports grew to almost 360 Million Euros (474.5 Million Dollars).

Norwegian ship-yards are selling both Conventional Ships and Oil Rigs World-wide. They had an increase of almost 300% in Vessel Exports!

Manufactured Goods and Minerals increased in export amount by 10% to 4 Billion Euros (5.2+ Billion Dollars).

Entrepreneurs and Investors should consider Funding Projects in Norway. Its 27% Corporate Tax Rate is not excessive (compared to some other Countries). It has a Maximum Personal Tax Rate of 46.8%.

An important aspect to remember that in a sluggish World Economy (that is defying the Feeble Economic Corrective Actions of the World’s Political Leaders), Norway is very busy exporting its Manufactured Goods and Mineral Resources; it has an “Economic Energy” not matched by many Countries. 

Norway’s Greatest Asset is its Hard Working and Intelligent People.

Reality.

Reference: http://barentsobserver.com/en/business/2014/02/norway-trade-surplus-hit-record-19-02

Aluminum and the “Law of Supply and Demand”

News Analysis:  The “Law of Supply and Demand” [LSD] remains unassailable even regarding Non-Ferrous Aluminum.  The Bauxite Mining-Aluminum Smelting capacities of countries has far exceeded demand for the Metal. Since the ‘Supply’ Portion of ‘LSD’ has not been effectively curtailed, logic would dictate the ‘Demand’ Side be addressed. 

The light weight of Aluminum, in general, and more specifically the ‘Hybrid’ Aluminum-Lithium [which is even lighter] have been making steady in-roads in aircraft fabrication. As Metallurgists invent even lighter Aluminum Alloys the products should increase in Aircraft fabrication.

Ship Construction is another important market on the “Demand Side’ of Aluminum. Primarily “Plate Stock” in designation [rather than typical ‘Sheet Stock’ for aircraft’ fabrication] much greater tonnage can be ‘digested’ through its use in this industry. Since Saline-Induced Corrosion is substantially mitigated by using Non-Ferrous Aluminum, its acceptability should be enhanced.

Additionally, its ease of being machined and/or formed may reduce ‘Touch Labor” as compared to Steel.

Demand for Aluminum is a viable proposition for the Automobile Industry. Sheet stock is lighter in weight than steel [which has been the mainstay of automobile fabrication].  By merely adding or substituting totally, body components with Aluminum, better fuel saving is realized by drivers. Great tonnage of current Aluminum Stockpiles could readily be absorbed by this Industry.

Railroad “Box-Cars” made from Aluminum would consume vast amounts of the metal. The cars, then as-made, would be lighter and allow a Locomotive to pull more of them than heavier Steel cars. 

If the Government and Aluminum Supply Holders emphasize these other Demand uses, “Equilibrium” can be achieved. These “Demand” Industries are the largest potential consumers of the Metal. To resolve the current “Supply” Problem quickly, they should not be ignored.

Reference: http://www.bjreview.com.cn/business/txt/2013-11/11/content_577151.htm

“Poor” Greeks Spend Billions in Ships in 2013

News Analysis: One should examine critically the mass media when its reports are unidirectional about any particular subject. Quite often contrary data is disregarded in order that a “Tsunami of Catastrophe” is maintained for the gains of certain individuals who stand to profit from the entropy. In this instance, billions of dollars have been spent by Greeks who the mass media portray as destitute, in the main. There is seldom any mention of ‘wealthy Greeks’.

Reference: http://www.shippingherald.com/Default.aspx?TabId=98&ArticleID=12755