JAPANESE COMPETITION.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19012, 1 August 1933, Page 8

JAPANESE COMPETITION.

AUSTRALIAN APPREHENSION. (Empire Press Union.) CANBERRA, July 20. The activity with which Japan is attacking outside markets is viewed with apprehension. While a trade ship -chartered by Australian manufacturers and producers was on a tour -of the East Indies, it was found that Japaneso goods were entering the Dutch settlements in increasing quantities and at prices—made possible by low wages and intense organisation—• with which the 'Dutch could not possibly compete. During Hie nine months which ended with March 1932, Japanese imports to Australia were worth £1,747,432 sterling. For the corresponding months of this year they were worth £2,696,895, and volume and value are still mounting rapidly. As Japan buys over 7 millions’ wortli of produce from Australia each year—mainly wool and wheat—primary producers have been slow to ■object. Tlie Japanese goods that are being landed in Australia are of acceptable quality and in some cases would be cheaper than those locally produced, even if Australians worked without wages. British manufacturers are being hit as well as Australian. Tlie 'Commonwealth Government declares that it is watching developments and manufacturers are awaiting an announcement of Government policy.