BUYERS HEADING TO SCANDINAVIA THIS WEEK FOR THE SEASON'S FINAL AUCTION SERIES are expecting no surprises despite the continuing economic problems in the key fur-consuming countries. But unlike the same series last year, which took place just prior to the worldwide financial meltdown and therefore was unaffected by it, buyers' plans are tempered by market conditions, as they have been all season. The mink price structure, which plunged at the season's February sales, has been holding steady at about 25% or 30% below last year's peaks and the final offerings are anticipated to remain mostly at those levels.

All the offerings this year have been completely sold and the clearances have been described by the auction houses as excellent. As previously reported, the Chinese have dominated the sales all year, evidently undismayed by the financial troubles around the world and even some lingering problems at home. And, while some of their export business may have dropped - notably their huge business with Russia - they are said to be counting more on their own domestic market, which has exploded in recent years and is now their biggest consumer by far. They have been stockpiling skins at what they consider to be bargain prices compared to last year.

DEBUT: For the first time in 20 years, a quantity of white Swakara pelts will be made available at Kopenhagen Fur next week. Along with 45,000 black and 6,000 gray, the company will offer 5,000 whites. Produced in limited quantities, they have only been sold privately in recent years. According to AGRA Cooperative, the Namibian producer, very few sheep are suitable for breeding whites and 25% of those lambs turn out black. Total production of whites is only about 9,000 pelts annually.