Some European importers say the deterioration in market conditions started from the beginning of the year. Others said that their first three to four months sales were satisfactory, but subsequently turned down. All agreed that by the end of July business was flat. One described it as ‘dead as a dodo’.  “The orders are still coming in, but it’s much more piecemeal,” said one company. “Customers aren’t committing to large volumes, it’s hand to mouth and just in time. Everyone is very wary of building stocks in the current climate.”  Contributing ...