147. The recession in the industrialized countries had a severe impact on copper prices in the first part of 1981. Copper prices were heavily influenced by the steady rise of the US dollar against sterling, which meant that sterling ana dollar quotations moved ·in different directions. After reaching the year 's lowest point of £754 a tonne on 20 January 1981, sterling prices rose with the strengthening of the dollar without serious interruption until August, while dollar quotations continued downwards. From September onwards, both sterling and dollar prices drifted downwards until the Polish crisis pro6uced some nervous fluctua­ tions in December. 148. The conditions now exist for a strong rise in prices in the near future, even if the recovery in consumption remains modest. With stocks at reasonably low levels, and supply and demand close to balance, the producer cut-backs already announced are likely to lead to a shortfall in supply. (_~) Tin 149. The decline in the market price of tin which had been evi­ dent in the last quarter of 1980 was extended into 1981. In the first quarter of the year prices in Loncon die not show the same decline, but solely as a result of the weakening of sterling. In the second quarter the market remained weak. Support provided by the Buffer Stock manager helped to stabilize prices by the end of June, by which date 3,875 tonnes of tin had been accumulated. July saw a dramatic turn-round in the tin market, with the price rising from 28.87 Malaysian dollars, near the low for the year to a high of $f.133.28. This rise r:Q. extendec throughout the third quarter. In the last quarter of the year the Penang price remained remarkably steady. 150. There has been very little new investment in the African tin-producing countries, with the exception of South Africa, and 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the prices and market trends of copper and tin, two natural resources, and mentions the impact of economic factors such as the recession and the strength of currencies on these markets. The text does not mention any specific economic development, agricultural, forestry, fishing, or humanitarian aid and relief activities. It also does not touch on education, employment, health, or culture.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, International trade