TRADE WITH U-&-A

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16151, 4 March 1918, Page 6

TRADE WITH U-&-A

LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED. (SPECIAL TO "THE PRES9.") WELLINGTON, Slarch 2. Tlie Minister for Customs (Hon. A. M. Myers) has notified by "Gazette" that the United States Government has prohibited, as from February 16th, all imports from and exports to all countries. This is not taken to mean absolute prohibition of all trade with other oountries, but the regulation of trade In order to utilise shipping, conserve supplies, and other purposes. It is presumed that business' with tho United States -will now bo done as in Great Britain and the Dominions—under license. It shall be for the United States Government to say what shall come in and what shall go out of the country, And traders will not bo, (is free to buy and 6ell as to all commodities without let or hindrance. In fact, advice has been received from Australia that the United States G-overnment has forbidden export of canned salmon to that country. What is a "necessary" or "convenience" ex-; port to another country from tho United States will bo for the Government to determine, and the samo with respect to imports by tho States. The uso of ibis power, among ether things, 'will enable the -best to bo made of the shipping tonnage available. Export and import will go on as before, but permits or licenses to do either will have to bo obtained. It is possible that supplies of oortain goods coming to this country from-tho-United .States will be strictly limited, or shut off altogether. In that ca«© such foods already in stock in New Zealand may bo advanced in price, so as to conserve stocks—and to meet the convcniencc of customers. The Dominion Minister of Customs has stated that particulars as to the procedure necessary to obtain import licenses from tho United States authorities ill bo notified when they are available. Tho greater part of the New Zealand imports from tho United States may conic out as before, providing there is sufficient shipping spacc.