BRITISH TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1389, 15 March 1912, Page 6

BRITISH TRADE.

INTERESTING STATISTICS,

The following statement regarding tho external trade of tho United Kingdom in 1911, with special reference to Now Zealand, compiled by the; Board of-■ Trade, London, has' Keen"forwarded to us by H.M. Trade Commissioner:— The "Accounts relating to the Trade and Navigation of tho United Kingdom," recently issued for the month and twelve months ended December 31 last, show that in spito of labour disturbances throughout tho year and the interruption of business during the Coronation holidays, tho values of merchandise imported into and exported from the United Kingdom in 1911 exceeded thoso of 1910—tho highest previously recorded. imports were valued at X'GSO.G millions, an increase of JC25> millions, or 0.3 per cent., exports of United Kingdom produce at JM51.3 millions, an increase of .£•24 millions or 5.5 per cent., and reexports at .£102.7 millions, a decrease of slightly over £1 million or 1 per cent. The rise of .£2* millions in the value of imports is the net result of increases of ,£6; millions in ''food, drink, and tobacco," and -EBJ millions in "articles wholly or mainly manufactured," and a decreaso of .£l3 millions in "raw materials and articles mainly unmanufactured." The decrease in the last-meutioned group is however more than accounted for by tho fall in the prices of raw cotton and rubber. The value of tho imports of these commodities taken together was loss in 1911 than in 1910 by some JCSJ millions, but the quantities of both imported were greater' in 1911, and had the prices of\ 1910 been maintained in respect of theso two commodities the total value of tho imports of the group would have shown an increase of about £i\ millions instead of a decreaso of .£l3 millions. The falling-off in the value of re-exports is also attributable to tho reduced prico of rubber, Tho increase in tho value of exports of United Kingdom produce was largely duo to th» exportation, in increased quan.-, titics and at higher prices, of yarn and manufactures of cotton, the total value of these being greater by about .£l4 millions in 1911 than in 1910. There were' also increases exceeding XIJ millions un-' der the heads of "Machinery" and; "Chemicals, Drugs, Dyes and Colours," and ono of over JEI million under the head of "Apparel." Tho foregoing remarks relate to merchandise only; tho figures quoted do not includo imports and exports of gold omd silver. The total values of these (including bullion and specie) in 1911 v;ero as follow:—lmports .£O3 millions, exports,£s7: millions, net imports .£0 millions. . i Tho values of tho imports from New! Zealand and of the exports and Te-ex-ports thereto in 1910 and 1911 were as follow:— 1910. 1911. JC £ Imports 20,943,000 17,852,000 Exports of United Kingdom produce 8,053.000 9,818,000 Re-exports 750,000 793,000 There was thus, in 1911, a decreaso of about JC3 millions in imports, and increase of about JSI million in exports, and a. small increase in re-exports. Among tho principal articles were tho following :— IMPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND IN 1911.

Mutton, frozen J. 927,000 Butter 1,495,000 Cheese- L 2lo ' ooo Wool, sheep's or lambs' 7,i7G.000 Tallow, unrcfiucd andstcannc fiSI.OOO Skins, sheep's 599,000 EXPORTS OF UNITED KINGDOM PRODUCE TO NEW ZEALAND. Iron and steel and manufactures thereof (so far as distinguished in the monthly accounts) 1.1?8,000 Cotton piece goods -... ib2,000 Woollen and worsted tissues (including carpels and carpet T „„,) 521,000 Apparel" &SG.OOO