BRITAIN’S EXPORTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 136, 10 June 1937, Page 11

BRITAIN’S EXPORTS

Value of New Zealand NINTH BEST MARKET The value of the New Zealand market to the British exporter is shown in the ligures of Great Britain's overseas trade in 1936. With the present ; trade discussions between Britain and the Empire and the possibility of some agreement with the United States of America, the position of New Zealand will figure comparatively prominently, lot last year she was Britain’s ninth most valuable export market. I During 1936 over 49.22 per cent, of British exports were made to British countries, and 50.78 to foreign countries. The approach to equality is closer than in 1935, when the Dominions accounted for 47.99 per cent, of British exports. As recently as 1931 lhe proportion was well below 44 percent The present upward trend dates fr.hn 1932, the time of the conclusion c r the Ottawa Agreements. The following table shows the 12 principal marxets for Brit'.r exports dll - ng 1936, compared with the 1935 figures:—

During the past few years these markets have steadily accounted for about 60 per cent, of the business done. Denmark, which in 1929 stood 20th in the list, has In the last three ears been about tenth or eleventh. Italy, Spain and Portugal have all k fallen off in recent years. Considering the small population, New Zealand holds a very high position in Britain’s export markets. The figures compare more than favourably with those of great nations such as Germany and France. New Zealand and other countries in the Empire take almost half Britain’s exports and their case cannot be ignored in the formation of new trade agreements. So far as British exports per head of population are concerned, New Zealand leads with £ll 0s sd. Australia takes only £4 15s 3d, South Africa, £3 18s 9d, and Canada, £2 2s 6d. These figures have to be considered in the light of the huge disparity in the populations of the various Dominions. The Mercantile Guardian describes the practical value of calculations of this nature as dubious but interesting.

South Africa India 1936 £000 37,602 37,342 1935 £000 33,662 41,048 Australia - 32,376 29,450 America 28,347 23,466 Canada 23,256 21,383 France 21,843 20,650 Irish Free State . .— 21,035 20,240 Germany 18,988 18,940 New Zealand _ 17,334 13,359 Argentina 15,271 15,257 Netherlands 15,542 14.449 Denmark 14,951 13,760