Wool Bd sanguine about China

Press, 23 May 1989, Page 24

Wool Bd sanguine about China

PA Wellington The Wool Board expects political upheaval in China to have a shortterm effect on New Zealand’s wool trade there, but can also see long-term benefits.

“Longer term we expect the situation, which is part of a continuing movement toward liberalisation in Chinese society, will be beneficial in all respects,” the Wool Board’s managing director, Mr Bernie Knowles, said yesterday. There was a continuing demand for improved standards of living in China, with increasing demand for consumer items such as wool products, Mr Knowles said.

New Zealand’s ,-trade with China was no'.V well

established, with strong trading links having been set up, he said. The Wool Board, and other sectors of the wool industry, had continued to participate in wool textile development through exchange of personnel and technical advice. This was expected to grow, rather than diminish, in the year ahead.

Exports of New Zealand wool to China in the 10 months to April were 52,732 tonnes, up 104 per cent over the same period last year. However, a change to early buying by China this season, meant the final percentage increase for the season would be reduced — though still up on last season, Mr Knowles said.