‘Importers May Turn Elsewhere’

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32068, 16 August 1969, Page 46

‘Importers May Turn Elsewhere’

(New Zealand Press Association/ WELLINGTON, August 15. The rise in the inward freight rate was “highly regrettable” the president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce (Mr D. S. Cox) said today.

Mr Cox said that with goods from Britain costing more, [ Britain must suffer from some ' importers turning to other i sources of supply. “The 5 per cent increase is apparently based on the , average freight earnings over 'the last several years,” he 'said.

“In this connection 1968-69 was a depression year, comparatively, for our imports, but 1969-70 is already showing signs of an upsurge in goods coming in, although the lines have not been prepared to make an allowance for that"

The president of the Manufacturers’ Federation (Dr H. C. Holland) said: “New Zealand is far removed from

I sources of supply for many of its imported materials, and ‘also from markets for its 'production. This makes it all the more difficult for us to compete on export markets in the fear of recurring freight increases, which inevitably add to our costs. “The present increase is unfortunate in view of the] •improvement that has been; achieved in the turn-round of; i ships on the New Zealand ! coast “It also appears that a much higher increase has [ been applied to inward freights than to exports. “We have been informed [of some of the reasons for this increase, but neverthei less we regret that it has become necessary," he said. “The Manufacturers' Federation also considers that while in the past our import freight rates have always been arranged between the shipping lines and the exporters in I.ondon, there should be some provision for [direct New Zealand particii pation in the negotiations, [the outcome of which so viI tally affects New Zealand,” hei I said.