TRADE WITH AMERICA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3338, 6 March 1918, Page 37

TRADE WITH AMERICA.

LICENSES REQUIRED. The Minister of Customs (the Hon. A. M. Myers) has notified by Gazette that the United States Government has prohibited, as from February 16, all imports from and exports to all countries. This is not taken to mean absolute prohibition of all trade with other countries, but the regulation of trade in order to utilise shipping, conserve supplies, and other purposes. It is presumed "that business with the United States will now be done as in Great Britain and the dominions—under license. It shall be for the United States Government to say what shall come in' and what shall go out of the country, and traders will not be, as heretofore, free to buy and sell as to all commodities without let or hindrance —in faot. advice has been received from Australia 'that the United States Government has forbidden export of canned salmon to that country. What is a " neoe&sity 'i-or "convenience" export to another oountry from the United States will bo for the Government to determine, and the same with respect to imports by the States. The use of this power, among other things, will enable the best to be made of the shipping tonnage available. Export and import will go on as before, but permits or licenses to do either will have to be obtained. i!t is possible that supplies of certain goods coming to this country from the United States will be strictly limited, or shut off altogether. In that case such goods already in stock in New Zealand may be advanced in price, eo as to. conserve stocks —and to meet the convenience of customers. The dominion Minister of Customs has stated that particulars as to the procedure necessary to obtain import licenses from the United States authorities will b« notified when they are available. The greater part of the New Zealand imports from the United States may come out as before, providing there is sufficient shipping space.