DUTIES ON RAYON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 18 June 1936, Page 12

DUTIES ON RAYON

JAPAN’S RETALIATION CONCERN IN AUSTRALIA The present situation in regard to duties on. Japanese rayon manufactures and the proposal of Japan to introduce retaliatory measures against Australian wool cannot be lightly viewed, states an article in the “Sydney Morning Herald.” The position still remains unsettled, but it is to be earnestly hoped that a satisfactory solution of the question, will be reached. The situation is being seriously considered by Japanese wool-buying establishments in Australia. The idea is held that Japan will place her wool purchasing in one or two hands in the Commonwealth, which would be a distinct disadvantage to competition at ihe sales in the Commonwealth. It is further suggested that Japan will place a duty on imports of Australian wool, thus encouraging the buying of supplies in South Africa and elsewhere, and possibly placing orders on the London wool market. Admittedly increased Japanese purchases on other markets may compel millmen from elsewhere to purchase larger quantities of the staple in Australia, but on topmaking wools particularly Japan has of late years been easily the most consistently keen operator, and her bidding has materially benefited Australian markets. The Commonwealth Government is faced .with a most difficult problem, as great consideration must be given to British interests which absorb the lion’s share of Australia’s exports of butter, meat, wheat, fruit, and other commodities. Shipments of wool from Australia to Japan during the 10 months of the current season amounted to 711,646 bales, against 635,872 bales in the previous season. In 1933-34, 571,031 bales were shipped and 651,369 bales in the 1932-33 season.