TRADE WITH CANADA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 10

TRADE WITH CANADA.

Expansion of the trade between New Zealand and Canada was forecasted by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, in commenting on the proposed appointment of a commissioner to advance the Dominion's interests in both Canfida and the United States. Mr. Cobbe referred to the increase in the last four years as enormous, citing the contrast between £400,000 of exports four years ago and £2,400,000 last year. To a certain extent, the comparison is misleading, since the figure for 192. r > was the lowest for 14 years. Canada's purchases from New Zealand have varied considerably from year to year, the lower figure quoted by the Minister appearing quite inconsistent with the fact that in 1918 and 1020, the values of exports were £1,793,000 and £1,358.000 respectively. On the other hand, recent experience indicates that the possibilities of the Canadian markets are now being developed with success and that the annual advances are being consolidated. Following is a summary of the exports to and imports from Canada in recent years:

In 1928, exports established a new record, exceeding the previous highest 11 gurc of 1018 by £676,000. 1' or the first seven months of this year, it further increasp of £1544,000 over the corresponding period last year has l)Ocn recorded. Three commodities comprise the bulk of the exports—butter, sausage casings and wool. Their recorded value in 1027 was £1,535,520, and ill 1028, £2,251,5:50, butter alono being represented by £1,565,646 last year. A considerable variety of manufactures is imported from Canada, motor vehicles and parts being the principal item. The value of the latter exceeded £2,000,000 in both 1924 and 1925, but declined in tlio next two years, the corresponding amount in 1027 having been > only £847,790. There was an increaso last year to £1,229,595, and a higher figure will be reached this year, as large! importations of motor vehicles have no doubt been the major element in the increase of £1,139,000 in total imports during the seven months. Whatever may be the developments toward a closer balancing of the trade, the present oosition is that New Zealand bu.\>° substantially more from Canada than she is able to sell to the sister Dominion, and good service will be done by the trade commissioner if he succeeds in cultivating a wider appreciation of that fact as an answer to the periodical agitation in Canada against the competition pf New Zealand produce.

Exports. Imports. Ex 'pss 1924 . . £716,543 £3.914.404 £3.197.861 1925 .. 423,06ft 3,916,237 3,493.169 1926 . 861,717 3,431,533 2,569,816 1927 .. 1.666,598 2.739.826 1,073.228 192R .. 2.469.150 3,258.828 789,678 1929* .. 1,627.534 2.639,581 1,012,047 * Seven moritlis.