Persistently weak coffee prices have prompted leading...

Persistently weak coffee prices have prompted leading producing countries to consider special measures to cut world supplies to restore prices to at least $1.20 a pound. The U.S. and West Germany, however, are expected to oppose the third such reduction in the quarter. The first cut was made Jan. 5, followed by a second reduction Tuesday, when the average world market price fell below $1.20. But Thursday’s price was $1.148 a pound. The 16-nation executive board of the International Coffee Organization, made up of producing and consuming nations that must approve any supply reductions, meets Friday. Brazilian officials have said that producers might call for another cut in global export quotas.