EGG EXPORT TRADE.

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 24, 28 July 1927, Page 14

EGG EXPORT TRADE.

Australian organisations which last season engaged freely in the export of eggs from the Commonwealth are at present jubilant at the high prices which are being paid for eggs in the various capital cities. , In Melbourne quotations are 2s 3d a dozen, compared with Is 8d a dozen last year at this period. The clearance of surplus supplies by means of export and the consequent lessening of storage operations has been the chief factor in maintaining eggs at their present price. Although many producers' organisations incurred heavy losses in the export business last season, they have been encouraged by the stabilisation of the Australian markets to launch an export campaign for the current season on an even more ambitious scale. It is generally estimated in the trade that about 130,000 cases will be sent away this season. One of the largest exporters from Victoria, will be the Victorian Egg Producers' Federation, .which, expects to ship 10,000 cases, beginning in the first -week * in August. ■ Contracts to ensure the supply of this quantity have already bean singed by members. The association has obtained a promise from a London house of an advance of 16s a long hundred -(120 eggs) on these, eggs... The Suburban Egg Producers' Association aims at the export of 5000 cases, and is offering an advance of Is 3d a dozen for eggs consigned on behalf of members,'-and also undertakes to provide export boxes and fillers free of charge. The association is also under- •- taking to purchase eggs outright,, less a

5 per cent' commission.' It is offering Is 5d a dozen for eggs of 2ox minimum weight,. Is 4d .a dozen lor 1 7-Soz egas, and Is 2d. a dozen for. l%oz eggs. The shipment of eggs will begin in August, and continue until late in the eggs reaching the London market from the last week in September until the Kow Year. According" to the figures quoted above, an average price of about 21s a long' hundred would be needed to cover the expenses of the consignees, as- export charges involve between 7d and Sd a dozen. This price is more than the average realised for Australian eggs last year, but those engaged in the industry are hopeful that the trouble in China and the. absence of industrial disturbances will contribute to a firmer market in Great Britain.