AUSTRALIAN GOODS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 85, 10 April 1935, Page 15

AUSTRALIAN GOODS

SURCHARGE ADVOCATED •

(Special to the ".Evening Post.")

PALMERSTON N., This Day.

The favourable trade relations with New Zealand enjoyed by Australia, as compared with those enjoyed by Britain, is the subject of a circular letter from the Associated Chambers of Commerce to affiliated chambers.

It is pointed out that.the present rate of exchange has resulted in the British exporter being placed in a position of disadvantage in the New Zealand market as compared with the Australian exporter. A surcharge on Australian goods so as to bring the landed cost of the Australian article up to the level of the British article on those lines which, were displacing British goods in New Zealand was one commendation considered. On the other hand it was considered that the Customs duties could not be altered in this way, owing to the existing trade agreement with Australia. And so the question of securing a better balance was a very difficult one, but the handicap on British exporters in relation to Australian exporters required some alteration. The Palmerston North chamber is of opinion that the position should be overcome by a surcharge on Australian imports, and this recommendation is to be passed to headquarters with a further suggestion that the Government should put the Australian exporter on the same footing as the British exporter when trade agreements were rearranged. ,