JAPAN’S WOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 May 1938, Page 3

JAPAN’S WOOL

REDUCTION IN HOLDINGS. At the close of last November the stocks of wool in Japanese warehouses were 58,400,0001 b, an increase of 8,100,0001 b compared with November, 1936. At June 30 last, the quantity on hand was a record, totalling 103,400,0001 b, and 16,900,0001 b above June, 1936. Stocks have, therefore, shown since considerable reduction, and the imports from October 1 to December 31 were only 13,300,0001 b, a decrease of 11,100,0001 b. Increased purchases have been made in Australia during recent months, but the quantity bought has not equalled the early 1937 total. Despit the purchases made, stocks at present must be considerably less than a year before.

The strength of Japanese inquiry, however, is uncertain owing to her financial position and her increased use of staple fibre, though at current prices she will probably continue operating. In 1937, Japan produced 170,000,0001 b of staple fibre, the quantity in 1936 being 45,900,0001 b. Since October, from 20 per ent to 30 percent of artificial fibre has been blended with wool in kimonos and blankets for. domestic consumption, and from February 1 this use has been extended to serge, hosiery and other goods. Those mixtures are compulsory, but do not extend to goods for export. The greater part of the Japanese output of woollen fabrics is, however, used internally, and the exports have declined in the past six months. During 1937, the total was 2,000,000 square yards less than in 1936. Japan’s wool requirements are apparently not likely to reach the 800,000 bale mark annually for at least some time. Her authorities a few years ago estimated that her needs would run to 1,000,000 bales yearly, but the prospect of that extensive buying has diminished.