DAIRY PRODUCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20512, 2 September 1936, Page 3

DAIRY PRODUCE

WORLD TRADE FIGURES EXPORTS TO BRITAIN | New Zealand in 1935 for the first ' time figured as the world's largest exporter of butter and cheese, according to Dairy Produce Supplies in 1935, a j survey just published by the Imperial I Economic Committee. Of the imports into the United Kingdom in 1935 the Dominion supplied 28 per cent, of the butter and 65 per cent, of the cheese, but accounted for slightly Jess of each in 1934. Imports of New Zealand pork reached record figures and accounted for 54 per cent, of the total supplies of that commodity last year. Although imports of dairy produce, poultry and pig products into the United Kingdom in 1935 represented 28 per cent, by value of the total imports of food, drink and tobacco, the aggregate quantity of those imports was appreciably less than in 1934 states the report. Dairy products resisted the depression rather longer than most agricultural commodities, but prices continue to decline in 1934, when many farm commodities were showing a reversal of the downward trend. In 1935, however, the prices of dairy produce rose more than those of agricultural products in general. Total imports of dairy, pig and poultry products in 1935 cost £3,000,000 more than in the previous year, following a decline of £2,000,000 between 1933 and 1934. Butter imports by value were greater than those of any other single article of food, although bacon was displaced by wheat for second place. Empire Countries’ Exports The share of Empire countries in the imports of dairy produce and allied products has increased in recent years, and record proportions of butter, hams, pork and lard were entered last year. Coincident with this development, production in the United Kingdom itself has tended to represent a growing proportion of the total supplies available for consumption. The quantity of butter entering world trade increased by 2 per cent, to a record figure in 1935. Imports into the United Kingdom, amounting to 9,600,000cwt5. valued at £39,300,000, were 1 per cent, less in quantity, but 18 per cent, greater in value than in 1934, and accounted for more than four-fifths of world imports of butter. Supplies from Empire sources comprised 57 per cent, of total imports and were greater, both proportionately and in actual volume, than ever before. In spite of increased prices, the consumption of butter in 1935 was maintained at the previous year’s record level of 25.21 b per head, a figure 6.51 b greater than in 1930. It is of interest to note that the per caput consumption of margarine, estimated at 8.41 b in 1935, was Jib heavier than in 1934, though nearly 351 b below the 1930 figure. Trade In Cheese World trade in cheese has declined in recent years. Imports into the United Kingdom in 1935, amounting to 2,700,000cwt5., were 9 per cent, less than in 1934 and the smallest since 1922. Empire supplies declined but accounted for 88 per cent, of total imports. Imports of condensed milk were reduced by a further 15 per cent, in 1935. The remarkable growth in recent years of an export trade in condensed milk of United Kingdom manufacture, mainly to the tropical Empire, is a feature of some interest. Decrease in Eggs The quantity of eggs entering international trade has decreased by onethird in the past five years. But imports into the United Kingdom in 1935 were 6 per cent, greater than in 1934 and totalled 198 million dozens. Denmark accounted for one-third of the total and all Empire supplies for only 24 per cent, compared with 31 per cent, in the previous year. Production in the United Kingdom itself also declined, although accounting for twothirds of total supplies, and consumption is estimated to have declined from 150 eggs per head in 1934 to 147 in 193?. In addition to the comprehensive figures given for the United Kingdom, statistics of the external trade in dairy produce of other countries are included and also on account of the measures adopted by foreign Governments for the support of the industry. The effect of the milk and bacon marketing schemes on Home supplies is considered in some detail and, in this connection, the striking expansion of factory production of milk products in the United Kingdom is clearly indicated.