752 MINERAL~ T1~AR]~OOI~

 As noted previously, very little Russian asbestos entered the United States
in 1932, due doubtless to orders forbidding entry of Russian asbestos except
imder bond pending an investigation by the Tariff Commission on possible
violation of section 3~7 of the Tariff Act of 1930. As a report of the Commission
favorable to Russia has been approved by the President, restrictions on imports
have been lifted. This decision may have a definite influence on imports
during 1933.

Production and exports of Russian asbestos, 1929~31,1 in metric tons
Year Production

Exports
1929                                                         
1930                                                         
39,942
54,083
64,674
12,603
15,749
13,239
1931                                                         


1 Figures quoted from Economic Review of the Soviet Union, vol. 7, Oct. 15,
1932.


OTHER COUNTRIES

 Italy.—The most important asbestos deposits of Italy are centered
around Balangero in Piedmont. The fiber is a chrysotile comparable with that
obtained in Canada. Amphibole asbestos is produced at Valteffina. Total production
ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 short tons a year.
 Cypr'us.—The Cyprus Asbestos Co. has been reorganized as the Cyprus
& General Co. Sales of short-fiber chrysotile produced on the island
have been decreasing steadily during recent years. Business was conducted
at a considerable loss during the year ending June 30, 1932.
 F'inland.—One company in east-central Finland produces 1,000 to 1,500
metric tons of amphibole asbestos a year.
 Ireland.—It is reported that an asbestos deposit at Avoca, County
Wicklow, Ireland, discovered in 1931, will probably be developed in the near
future.
 Mexico.—An interesting specimen of "mountain cork" consisting of interlaced
amphibole asbestos fibers has been received by the Bureau from San Luis Potosi,
San Luis Potosi, Mexico. There is said to be a large deposit of the material
which may have possibilities for insulation uses. No definite data on location
or extent of the deposit are available.