REDUCED BY HALF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 124, 28 May 1935, Page 11

REDUCED BY HALF.

DUTY ON N.Z. APPLES.

EXPORTS TO SWEDEN

TEADE PLAN AGREEMENT.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Monday

Tho conclusion of a "most-favoured-nation" trade agreement between New Zealand and Sweden, with a provision for halving the Swedish duty on New Zealand apples and extending the annual period of their importation, was announced to-day by the acting-Minis-ter of Customs, the Hon. A. Hamilton. The following statement was issued by the Minister:— "It is a well-reeog-11'iscd fact of the utmost importance to New Zealand that additional markets should be obtained for her products, and with this object in view the Rt. Hon. J. C. Coates, during his visit to London, has taken the opportunity to discuss with the Swedish Ambassador the possibility of New Zealand improving her trade with Sweden. "The following figures show the direct trade between the two countries in recent years: Value of Swedish goods imported into New Zealand —1930, £1)25,325; 1031, £278,075; 1932, £259,100; 1933, £249,427; 1934, £243,314. Value of New Zealand goods exported direct to Sweden—l93o, £0432; 1931, £11,755; 1932. £19,013; 1933, £33,003; 1934, £117,529. "During 1934 the value of the principal commodities of Swedish origin imported into New Zealand were: Woodpulp and paper pulp, £31,140; ball bearings, £7210; agricultural machinery, £11,094; cream separators and parts, £39,274; electrical machinery, £9300; vacuum cleaners, £34,140; timber for butter boxes, £14,900; cardboard, £18,730; vegetable parchment paper, £12,349; and paper for orchardists' use, £9359. The principal goods of New Zealand origin exported to Sweden In 1934 were wool, valued at £113,310; tallow, £2005; and hides, £'1085. "It has been realised for some time that if a reduction could, he obtained in regard to the duty on New Zealand apples entering Sweden, there would be a good prospect of that country taking a considerable quantity of our apples. "Arising out of the discussions, an exchange of notes was effected on May 24 between Mr. Coates and the Ambassador, whereby each country has agreed to accord the other the same treatment in matters of commerce and navigation as is or may be accorded to the mostfavoured foreign country. In addition, the Swedish Government has undertaken to admit New Zealand apples at a rate of duty approximating 2/ a case, as against the ordinary rate of approximately 4/. The months during which New Zealand apples will be so admitted are September to June, not to April, as formerly. Three months' notice is provided for the revocation of the arrangement by either country."