EXPORTS TO JAPAN

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 387, 19 March 1937, Page 4

EXPORTS TO JAPAN

PRIMARY PRODUCTS. Unique Opportunity Came to New Zealand. During the recent period wlhen the trade relations between Japan and Australia were so strained, a unique opportunity had been o' v * en New Zealand to improve her position in the Japanese market, This was a view expressed tx> the “Central Press” this morning, by Mr. S. Fuse of Kobe, now staying at the Hotel (Stratford. Mr. FuSe is the New Zealand representiative ot a large Japanese Importing firm with offices in Australia and New Zealand, and in the quiet, detached manner of hia country, spoke of the possibilities of still greater improvements in the trade between Japan and his Dominion. Despite the fact that the Japanese trade with Australia is back again on a normal basis, Mr. Fuse said that his country was becoming an enthusiastic buyer of New Zealand’s primary products. Tjallow, pelts, hides, casein, powdered milk and frozen beet were all imported in large quantities. Japan was a large buyer of casein which was used in a variety of industries. Probably most of Japan’s casein imports were used for sizing in paper manufacture though it was also used in the making of starch for ply-wood Lactic casein was used in these two types of manufacture but rennet casein was also imported for the manufacture of celluloid and imitation ivory. One big celluloid com- ! pany was easily Japan's biggest buyer of rennet casein. Prices Too High. I The quality of New Zealand's primary products v.Ls excellent, Mr. Fuse thought. Toe casein, particularly, was much better than iha't' of Australia. But the cost of New Zealand goods was too high. “You must always remember," said Mr. Fuse, "that Japan is in a

tree position to buy from any country in the world. Although we realise the superiority of New Zealand product’s, it is difficult -to induce my people to pay more money than they have to pay for goods from other countries. “High costs of production in New Zealand bring about the high prices wanted for your goods,” he concluded. "Your pr. cent Government has brought some of that about, therefore, you must expect keen competition from other countries where costs are not so high. You cannot meet thia I competition, then there is not muoh [chance for New Zealand goods on the 1 Japanese market.*'