TRADE WITH AMERICA.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 19, 8 March 1918, Page 8

TRADE WITH AMERICA.

LICENSES NOW REQUIRED,

The Hon. Arthur M. Myers (Minister for Customs) notified in the official “Gazette'' last week that the United States Government have prohibited, as from February 16th last, all imports from and exports to all countries. “This,'' explains the Minister, “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 will be for he 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 fact, advice has been received from Australia that the United States Government has forbidden export of canned salmon to that country. What is a 'necessary' or 'convenience' export to another country from the United States will be 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 bo made of the shipping tonnage available. Export and import will go on as before, but permits or licenses' to do either will have to bo obtained.

“It is possible that supplies of cerain goods coming to this country from he 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, so as to conserve stocks—and to meet the convenience of customers. Particulars as to the procedure necessary to obtain import licenses from the United States authorities will be notified when they are available. The greater part of the Now Zealand imports from the United itates may come out as before, providing there is sufficient shipping space,"'