WESTERN SAMOA'S TRADE.

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 30, 4 August 1926, Page 11

WESTERN SAMOA'S TRADE.

"With the exception of two boom years, 1919 anfl 1920, the external-trade of tho Mandated Torrltory of Western Samoa In 1925 was a record. Hero are tho Imports and exports of tho last threo years:—

Imports. Exports. £ £ 1923 ~- ~« 2G8.831 288,774 1921 .......... 274,503 301,418 1923 345,989 378,388

West Samoa relies on her copra and cocoa exports. The improved orport In 1925 was duo to increased output and prices of copra; on the other hand, cocoa beans exported fell in tonnage and in value. In 192p Now Zealand increased her share of Samoa's exports, but hor share remains relatively small, being only £11,000, and consisting mainly of cocoa beans. Samoa's main customers are the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Continent. On tho other hand, Now Zealand takes socond place among Samoa's suppliers, for last year the Samoan Impotts wero drawn mainly from the following countries: —Australia, £103,748; Now Zealand, £91,542; ■United Kingdom, £63,885; United States, £55,707; Canada, £12,731; Fiji, £9060. It is Worth noting that In 1923 the United States supplied £62,717 aud the United Kingdom only £19,788, so British traders have evidently been busy since then.

Tho Department of Industries and Commerce reports that wlillo tho Dominion h»s maintained n leading position In Sanioin trado, there romains room for expansion, Trade has been lost in certain commodities, and many lines now supplied by Australia and the Unltod Kingdom could bo supplied by New Zealand.

"The Department has drawn tho attention of trading Interests to theso matters, and In several instances appreciable progress is being made in improving tho sale of Now Zealand productions."