(2)　(The following day)

Z:Any good news?

G:Well,I can hardly say that.However,I’m still hopeful.

Z:Have you got a reply from your head office?

G:Yes,I’ve received a long email.Actually,there’s nothing new in the offer.

Z:Do you mean the price remains the same as that mentioned yesterday?

G:Yes,it is the same,but let me point out that the tallow market conditions have been anything but easy recently.The recent currency crisis has not made things any better.

Z:Would you enlighten me further as to the market conditions?

G:I believe that you have followed up the supply position,and that you’re as well informed as I am.

Z:Could you tell us about the supply position at your end?

G:As you know,situations are apt to change in the commodity market.As far as tallow supplies are concerned,there are most pressing demands from clients in other parts of the world.The upward trend is quite strong.I hope you will appreciate our position.

Z:I gather from what you say that the outlook is not very promising.It’s rather disappointing that you should come all the way from Australia to tell us of such a bleak prospect.

G:Things are not all that bad.You may recall that we once drew your attention to drummed tallow.With regard to this item,the situation is slightly better.If you could accept this instead,we could supply the quantity you require.

Z:We are not interested in drummed tallow for the simple reason that its price is higher.

G:I appreciate that.But there is a very strong trend in its favor on the international market.We are having difficulty in getting hold of any sizable parcels of bulk tallow for immediate shipment.I may tell you that India has just entered the market with an enquiry for 6,000 tons.This certainly has its effect on our market and also in the US and Canada.

Z:We know this,but the question is whether they will agree to such a high price.

G:In any case,there simply aren’t any sizable parcels around.As the situation stands now,we can offer only 1,000 tons bulk tallow at the price quoted yesterday.If you can get your end users interested in drummed tallow,we’ll do our best to offer more,say 3,000 tons,with an additional charge for the drums and the drumming cost at US $ 45 per ton.

Z:I’m sorry I can’t entertain your proposition.

G:Well then,there is nothing I can do but to make a call home tonight to see once more what can be done.

Z:Please do.I hope to hear from you soon.

G:I’ll appreciate it if you will give us a counter-offer.

Z:I’m afraid that can’t be done.Unless you propose something definite together with some improvement in your price,we are not inclined to place a large order with you.However,in view of the friendly relations between us,we are willing to hold negotiations with you again the day after tomorrow.

G:I’ll get in touch with my head office right away.