THE AMERICAN WOOL TARIFF

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15900, 11 April 1912, Page 8

THE AMERICAN WOOL TARIFF

Wo (says the <; Pastoralists' _ Heview ") have from time to time pointed out the enormous importance of .the United States demand for Australasian wool. North America is the greatest wool-consuming country in the world, httt tho very high tariff of s£d per lb on fine wools "and 6d per lb upon wools from British breeds has naturally restricted the scope of operations in outside markets. Under these high duties, which have been almost continuously in force, the Americans have been taking 07ily the cream of our greasy wools, the duty on scoured or 'washed is altogether prohibitive, and 100,000 bales out of a clip of nearly 2,600,000 bales is about the average of their purchases in these markets, where the best wools in the world are available, and where it suits tho American to operate. The following figures give the actual quantities of wool purchased for the United States in Australasia and in, Loudon during the past five years:—

Total five yrs. 247,500 Total five yrs. 491,987 It will be noticed from the above how little wool the Americans took from us in the year 1910, the reason being the unsettled state of tho wool industry in that country, consequent upon the tremendous fight which has been waged for a big reduction in duties. Feeling that the tariff would be greatly reduced at no distant date, buyers have been buying only what they must have for more immediate wants. A Bill to fix the wool tariff on an ad valorem basis at less than half the present duty has passed the House of Representatives, and is supported by President Taft, but as the Senate is now constituted it seems almost impossible for the Bill to become law. In March, 1913, however, one-third of tho Senators retire, and as the Democrats look like winning the day, it seema reasonable to assume that a heavy reduction of American woollen duties i a close at hand.

London. Australasia. Year ending Year ending Dec. 31. • June SO. Bslc-u. Bales. 1906 40.000 136,6IS 1007 67,000 56,571 190S 49,000 116,662 1509 09,600 137.491 1910 23,000 44,630