TRADE AVENUE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 9

TRADE AVENUE

THE WEST INDiE-•ADVIC-J to shippers . i WELLINGTON, AI ay 4. j Tho Minister of Industries and Com-1 moree (the Hon. B. Masters) has ie reived a icport from the New Zealand | Trade Commissioner in Canada (?4;. J. W. Coilins) regarding (he possibility of developing the New Zealand export trade with the West Indies. “The exploitation of the trade o. the West Indies,” says Mr. Collins, “is worthy of consideration by New Zealand shippers, particularly those concerned with the expor; of Rutte?, cheese, apples, meat, and condense., milk. Tho islands comprising what i* known as tho Eastern group of the British West Indies (Leeward Island.-, Windward Islands, Barbadoes, and Trinidad) had an import trade valued at 38,600,000 dollars tn 1930, tho percentage of such trade being done by three main exporting countries, viz.. Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States of America —17 per cent., 23 per cent., and 35 per cent, respectively. The value of imports of food stuffs aggregated .10,700,000 dollars, of which Canada’s share was 3,154,000 dollars. Canada’s main export was flour. The value of imports of the group in commodities which New Zea. land would bo able to supply ana Canada’s share in these values are summarised as follows: — Canada’s Total share Commodity Dollars Dollars Butter 670,000 296,000 Cheese 140,000 116,000 Meat 1,137,000 145,000 Condensed milk . 630,000 250 060 “In regard to meats, the tariff is rather intricate, but if our shippers are interested in the export of beef and pork, pickled or salted, in canned meats, or in fresh meats, the desired particulars can be given. Generally, however, these islands arc not large consumers of fresh meat, but an export trade in pickled or salted meats might bo possible. With canned meats the preferential rate is 10 per cent, ad valorem, general 20 per cent, ad valorem. In the Virgin Islands, however, the rates are 8 per cent, and 12 per cent, respectively. Shipping Facilities “Transhipment at Panama is available by several well-known lines, particularly the French Line, the HollandAmerican, Elders and Fyfe, and the Italian Line, which call at Trinidad. Panama and Jamaica. In order to reach the smaller islands of the eastern group a second transhipment is required at Port of Spain. “In addition to the West Indies trade, the islands of Jamaica, Baha mas, and Bermuda should also be seriously considered if there is a desire to widen New Zealand markets. To some extent we already do business with Jamaica in butter, but lam assured that the possibilities of increasing our trade are promising, providing we can give regular service, particularly in butter, cheese and lamb. Bermuda is a large consumer of high-class .foodstuffs throughout the year owing to its great tourist traffic. It is satisfactory to report that a shipment of New Zealand lamb late last year from a well-known New Zealand house proved to be entirely satisfactory to the buyer, and that the meat landed in excellent condition. Tho potentialities of these island markets are being closely examined by tho Commonwealth of Australia. An Economic Necessity “It appears to me that the subject is worthy of close examination by the various chambers of commerce and Produce Board of the Dominion in the first place. 1 am convinced that the widening of New Zealand markets overseas is an economic necessity now and in future years, and although the trade to be done may not appear to be large in volume compared with our main markets, still with proper development it may grow to important dimensions.” Exporters who have not previously shipped to this market arc advised to

communicate with the Department of Industries and Commerce regarding Customs tariffs on New Zealand products operating in these islands as the rate varies in a number of cases to the particular locality. In all cases, however, substantial preference is ceded to Empire products. New Zealand’s export trade to British West Indies is practically negligible. Tn 1931 20 tons of butter of a value of £2280 were shipped. No export shipments of New Zealand products were made in 1932. The import trade is confined mainlv to cocoabeans (£7387), rum (£3844), asphalt and bitumen (£7278), totalling £18,509 From this it will bo seen that, at present tho trade is a “one-way” traffic.