NEW TARIFF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22429, 27 May 1936, Page 13

NEW TARIFF

AUSTRALIAN RATES EFFECTS IN AMERICA EXPORTERS CONCERNED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright NEW YORK, May 25 The announcement of the details of the new Australian tariff regulations as affecting American manufacturers was a "bombshell" in the opinion of New York exporting circles, who have literally besieged the Australian Government Office in an effort to obtain further clarification of the situation. Whereas inquiries from a wide variety of exporters have been received, two particular groups seemed to bo most concerned, notably women's dress and perfume merchants and motor-car manufacturers. It is understood that General Motors have instituted inquiries' in New York and Washington. The president of the export branch sent word to a correspondent, however, that the company is not yet ready to issue a statement, since it wishes to familiarise itself more thoroughly with the situation. •

Officials in Washington indicated to the Australian Associated Press to-day that they consider Australia's new import duties constitute a backward step toward the reduction of the volume of world trade, and increased cost for consumers of all nations.

It is generally assumed that the new duties and import licences will injure the United States in the sales of many important products. Restraint in comment is indicated, however, by the absence of any disposition to quarrel openly with Australia or to retaliate. Direct official comment was confined to observations that Australia had acted within her rights, although the United States believes that the action taken is wrong. It is added that America has not yet received sufficient details from Canberra to estimate accurately the damage to the United States.

It is again emphasised that America's world trade programme is clear. She is anxious to reduce world import obstructions on the theory that each nation produces the best and cheapest in certain materials for which it is suited by geography or specialisation. By enlarging world trade generally in such items all nations can dispose profitably of their surplus materials without seriously damaging, purchaser nations and with lowered costs to consumers. Multilateral treaties, with trade channels relatively free, are a desideratum.

That this is rather hard to achieve, however, seems to be indicated by three volumes of tariff changes in the world during the past year already compiled by the American Government, almost all constituting increase in rates on certain types of goods.

MIGRATION STREAM PLANS FOR RENEWAL - CANBERRA, May 26 Speaking at the Royal Empire Society's annual Empire Day dinner, the Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. L3*ons, said the renewing of the stream of migration, no matter how small it might be, was a responsibility that rested on Australia and Britain. The tariff changes would make migration again possible.