CHINESE TARIFF

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19623, 29 October 1925, Page 9

CHINESE TARIFF

THE CUSTOMS CONFERENCE. POWERS AGREE TO ECONOMIC * AUTONOMY. Pna Awociktioß—By T«lesrr«tjb—Copyrislrs PEKING, October 27. At, the Tariff Conference an outline was given of the Chinese proposals. F'irst, the Powers declare, with respect to autonomy, that they agree to remove all the existing tariff restrictions. Secondly, that China agrees to abolish the likin dues and to introduce a national tariff not later than January 1, 1929. Thirdly, that previous to the enforcement of the national tariff a surtax shall he levied of 5 per cent, on ordinary goods, 30 per cent, on wine and tobacco, and 20 par cent, on luxuries. Fourthly, the collection of the above surtaxes shall begin three months from the date of signature. The British Minister (Sir Donald Macleay) stated that the British delegation was prepared to discuss tariff autonomy, either at this conference or later. He was convinced that British and Chinese interests were essentially the same. The Japanese delegate {Mr Hioki) proposed a graduated tariff with an average rate of not more than 12£ per cent, as an alternative to Mr Wang's proposals. —Reuter.