Manufacturers Warned On Import Licensing

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31488, 30 September 1967, Page 18

Manufacturers Warned On Import Licensing

Most manufacturers had come to regard import licensing as a permanent form oi protection, but this was now dangerous thinking and continuation of import licensing generally might have a very limited life, Mr H. E, J. Martin, executive officer of the New Zealand Footwear Manufacturers’ Association, has warned his organisation. Mr Martin visited Christchurch yesterday and reiterated views he gave the annual conference of the federation recently A growing section of the commercial community had “had” import licensing and was advocating its abolition, Mr Martin said. The Govern ment’s declared policy to move away from quantitative restrictions to regulation of imports by tariffs must be strengthened by the growing weight of public opinion. In spite of the overseas exchange shortage, alternative forms of regulating exchange expenditure could be considered. Unless import licensing was

removed it might be that New Zealand would not be able to negotiate more favourable entry into markets for its agricultural products. The federation has agreed with Mr Martin’s recommendation that there should be a study of New Zealand’s competitive position vis-a-vis the Australian footwear industry in relation to a reduction of the recent duty against Australia from 37| to 274 per cent and the possible inclusion of footwear within the New Zealand-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The study would involve a critical analysis of the Australian industry, Mr Martin said. The executive has been asked to consider the broad implications of import licensing l eing removed in relation to the existing levels of tariff and the machinery available for tariff adjustment and to bring recommendations to the next conference on the steps the industry should take to .meet the situation.