THE DOMINION’S TRADE.

Shannon News, 7 May 1926, Page 3

THE DOMINION’S TRADE.

IMPORTS EXCEED EXPORTS BY OVER FOUR MILLIONS. BIG DROP IN WOOL AND BUTTER. During the year ended on March 31 last, New Zeal uni’s exports were £6,073,571 less titan in the precedingyear (1924-25) and her imports were £3,204,761 more than in tbe preceding year, and tbe result .is that an excess of exports in 1924-25 of £4,950,063 is converted in 1925-26 into an excess of imports of £4,328,269. For comparison purposes it may be remarked that the highest adverse trade balance recorded in the Dominion occurred in the year 1921-22, and amounted to £19,263,910, over-impor-tation bejng then at .its peak., The total exports fell in value from £54,771,158 in 1924-25, to £48,697,587 in 1925-26. Butter exported was less in value to the extent of £2,694,894. the totals being 1924-25, £12,063,265: 1925-26, £9,368,371. Wool shows a decrease of over four millions—l 924-25, £1,379,249; 1925-26. £13,284,232, Cheese was less by £332,033 —from £6,161.580 to £5,829,548. Lamb shows an increase from £5,821,948 in 1924-25 to £6,170.610 in the year just ended. • Frozen meat is responsible for a slight decrease from £2,703.961 to £2,688£18, Flax is £79,092 better than in the previous vea.r—-1924-25, £439.3:>1: 1020-26, 26, £518,443. ■ Over twenty million rabbit-skins were exported, their value being £874,331, as against £715,263 in the previous year. The number of motor vehicles imported last year were 24,333, five more than in 1924-25.

On the import side there was a rise of approximately £865.000 in motor vehicles and tire importations. £492,000 in apparel and drapery, £.,00 - 000 in textiles. £300.000 in tobacco and cigarettes, and other increased -importations. making an excess of imports aggregating £3.210.761.