IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 82, Issue 305, 24 December 1938, Page 11

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

DOMINION’S CUSTOMERS AMERICA AND CANADA. GOODS FROM AUSTRALIA. While details of the trade control plan of the Government remain vague, it is evident that some of New Zealand’s customers will suffer by the restriction of imports. Assurances have been given that Britain will not lose any of her export trade, but | local importers are in the dark as re--1 gards the commodities to be restricted ’ and the overseas markets which will | be affected. - The Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, | has stated that New Zealand’s olbiga--1 tions to Britain would never be lost | sight of, and the aim of the Government was to increase trade with Britain. No mention has been made of any other countries, and Australia, America and Canada, all of which have huge balances adverse to New Zealand, are bound to be considered when the details of trade control are being formulated. A study of the latest trade figures of the Dominion shows that of the total exports from New Zealand in the first 10 months of this year over 80 per cent, went to Great Britain. The almost entire dependence of the Dominion on the Mother Country also is illustrated by the fact that of the 43 countries trading with New Zea- ' land, only 11 have a visible balance I which is favourable to the Dominion. ' Relative Positions Compared. The following table compares the relative value of New Zealand’s trade with Britain, America, Australia and Canada, the figures being £OOO, New Zealand currency, covering the first 10 months of the past three years:— Great Britain.

! In the available figures, it is imposJsible to ascertain the ultimate des-

tination of goods exported. The value of re-exports would reduce the balance with Britain, while the balance with Canada is not as adverse as the figures would indicate. Australia, however, would scarcely be affected. Value of British Trade. While Britain has remained the mainstay of New Zealand’s trade, the adverse balances with the other countries have become steadily worse. Exports to Australia, America and Canada have increased slightly, but this has been heavily offset by the flood of imported goods. The chief imported goods from Australia are iron and steel, electrical machinery, • timber, hardware, dried fruits, tobacco, paints and apparel. American supplies motor-cars, lorries and various parts, motor spirit, wireless apparatus, electrical machinery, sulphur, hardware tools, paints, glassware, paper and apparel. The largest item imported from Canada is motor vehicles and tyres, as well as millinery, hosiery, apparel, boots and shoes, iron and steel, paper, timber, electrical machinery and silk goods.

1938 1937 1936 Exports ... 42,269 43,220 38,486 Imports ... 22,247 23,484 17,659 Balance ... -1-20,022 4-19,736 4-20,827 United States. Exports 1,105 4,693 2,578 Imports 5.429 5,533 4,426 Balance ... -4,324 -840 -1,848 Australia. Exports 1.800 1,525 1,586 Imports 6,183 5,543 4,206 Balance ... -4,383 -4,018 -2,620 Canada Exports 941 1,602 970 Imports 4,134 3,815 2,752 Balance ... -3,192 -2,213 -1,782