NEW TRADE OUTLET

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 186, 4 May 1933, Page 8

NEW TRADE OUTLET

Exports to West Indies SURVEY OF POSITION Chance for New Zealand FOODSTUFFS IN DEMAND The possibility of developing a New Zealand export trade with the West Indies is discussed in a report received by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. 11. Masters, from tho New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Canada, Mr. J. W. Collins. Mr. Collins considers that in addition to (he West Indies the islands of Jamaica, Bahamas, and Bermuda should also be seriously considered as an outlet for New Zealand products. He had been assured that the prospects of increasing trade with Jamaica were promising. “The exploitation of the trade of the West Indies is worthy of consideration by New Zealand shippers, particularly those concerned with the export of butter, cheese, apples, meat, and condensed milk,” states Mr. Collins. “The islands comprising what is known as the eastern group of the British West Indies (Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Barbados, and Trinidad) had an import trade valued at 38,000,000 dollars in 1930, the percentage of such trade done by three main exporting countries, viz., Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States of America, being 17 per cent., 23 per cent., and 35 per cent, respectively. The value of imports of foodstuffs aggregated 10,700,000 dollars, of which Canada’s share was 3,154,000 dollars. Canada’s main export was flour. The value of imports of the group in commodities which New Zealand would be able to supply and panada’s share in these values are summarised as follow:

“In regard to meats, the tariff is rather intricate, but if our shippers are interested in the export of beef and pork, pickled or salted, in canned meats, or in fresh meats, the desired particulars can be given. Generally, however, these islands are not large consumers of fresh meat, but an export trade in pickled or salted meats might be possible. With canned meats the preferential rate is 10 per cent, ad valorem, and the general 20 per cent, ad valorem. In the Virgin Islands, however, the rates are 8 per cent, and 12 per cent, respectively.” Transhipment at Panama. Reference is made by Mr. Collins to the question of shipping. “Transhipment at Panama” he says, ‘‘is available by several well-known lines, particularly the French line, the Holland-Ameri-can, Elders and Fyfe, and the Italian Line, which call at Trinidad, Panama, and Jamaica. In order to reach the smaller islands of the eastern group a second transhipment is required at Port-of-Spain. “In addition to the West Indies trade, the islandsof Jamaica, Bahamas, and Bermuda should also be seriously considered if there is a desire to widen New Zealand markets. To Some extent; we already do business with Jamaica in butter, but I am assured that the possibilities of increasing our trade are promising, providing we can give regular service, particularly in butter, cheese, and lamb. “Bermuda is a large consumer of high-class foodstuffs throughout the year owing to its great tourist traffic. It is satisfactory to report that a shipment of New Zealand lamb late last year from a well-known New Zealand house proved to be entirely satisfactory to the buyer, and that the meat landed in excellent condition. The potentialities of these island markets are being closely examined by the Commonwealth of Australia. Worthy of Examination. “it. appears to me that the subject is worthy of close examination by the various chambers of commerce and produce boards of the Dominion in the first place. I am convinced that the widening of New Zealand markets overseas is an economic necessity now and in future years, and although the trade to be done may not appear to be large in volume compared with our main markets, still with proper development it may grow to important dimensions.” Exporters who have not previously shipped to this market are advised co communicate with the Department of Industries and Commerce regarding Customs tariffs on New Zealand products operating in these islands as the rate varies in a number of cases according to the particular locality. In all cases, however, substantial preference is ceded to Empire products. New Zealand’s export trade to the British West Indies is practically negligible. In 1931 20 tons of butter of a value of £2280 were shipped. No export shipments of New Zealand products were made in 1932. The import trade is confined mainly to cocoa beans (£7387), rum (£3844), asphalt and bitumen (£7278), totalling £18,509. From this it will be seen that at present the trade is a “one-way” traffic.

Total. Canada's share. Commodity. Doi. Doi. Butter 670,000 290,000 Cheese ..<«»• 140,000 116,000 Meat 1,137,000 145,000 Condensed milk 630,000 250,000 §