WOOL AND JAPAN

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 8, 10 July 1934, Page 7

WOOL AND JAPAN

YORKSHIRE FEELS PINCH

MEETING THE MENACE

LONDON, June 29.

Yorkshire woollen manufacturers are gravely concerned by the menace of Japanese exports, says the ".Yorkshire Observer," commenting1 on the Rome Wool Conference. ' -... ■

They fear that they will never regain lost trade if they allow cheap Japanese goods to become' familiar in the world markets. The position is becoming more threatening thai in the ease of cotton and rayon. Quotas are spurring on' Japan to greater efforts in the woollen trade. •

, Japan's .shortage of wool is a menace to Yorkshire, because the Japanese* are determined to enter into all ■ manner of compensating barter arrangements. The Japanese have seriously jeopardised the Australian market by huge wool orders, the outcome of which is that Australia does not dare' to prohibit Japanese imports, fearing to lose her export market. Moreover, Australia cannot manufacture at anything like the Japanese price. The Australian Government finds itself between the devil and the deep sea.

The "Yorkshire Post" says that the only sound reply is for all the woolinanufaeturing countries to present a united front to Japan, reduce their costs, and prevent Japan from getting business. The wool-producing countries by co-operating might even be able to negotiate with Japan. The Dominions must act for themselves; but it is confidently believed that they would support Britain, their main market.