H,— 44,

It is seen that butter dominates the position in so far as our exports are concerned, and, in fact, of the total importations into Jamaica of this product, amounting to 1,099,629 lb., the quantity supplied by New Zealand was 1,059,422 lb., or 96 per cent. This export trade in butter has doubled since the visit of the New Zealand Trade and Tourist Commissioner in Toronto in 1933. There appears, further, to be a market for other lines of New Zealand produce, as is evident from recent agency inquiries received from Jamaica, and close touch is being maintained by the New Zealand Trade Commissioner with this market. Hurricanes during the year affected the banana industry, and the reduced quantities available for export seriously reduced the national income. With reasonably good seasons it may be anticipated that increased purchasing-power will increase the consumption of products which New Zealand can supply. Trade with South America. The trade between New Zealand and South American countries is set out for the past three years in the table below, imports being shown according to country of origin : —

The marked increase in the exports of New Zealand produce to South American countries, as shown by the 1936 figures, is due in the main to shipments of potatoes to Uruguay. Crop failures in the Argentine and Uruguay have necessitated importation. During the calendar year 1936, 4,711 tons, valued at £23,687, were exported from New Zealand. For the first six months of 1937 a quantity of 6,882 tons, valued at £54,119, was exported to Uruguay and 497 tons, valued at £3,233, to Argentina. It must be remembered that of the exports consigned to Uruguay a large proportion may ultimately be consumed in the Argentine. Other exports to these countries are fresh apples and sheep. Imports from these countries comprise the following : — Argentina : Undressed hides, pelts and skins, crude tanning-materials, and seeds. Bolivia : Edible nuts. Brazil: Edible nuts and raw cocoa-beans. Chili: Nitrate of soda. Equador : Raw cocoa-beans. Island Trade. The trade with the Pacific Islands, while comparatively small in actual value, is nevertheless of considerable importance, and particulars are given hereunder of the trade of the more important islands and dependencies. FIJI. Trade with Fiji during the calendar year 1936 showed a marked improvement over 1935, as is disclosed by the table of total trade shown hereunder. Exports to the Island have increased by £15,885, or 18-4 per cent., and imports from Fiji by £15,712, or 19-6 per cent., over the 1935 figures.

Total Trade with Fiji.

13

Exports. Imports. 1934. 1935. ! 1936. 1934. ! 1935. I 1936. I i L £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) Argentina .. .. 4,079 3,401 11,795 20,412 16,586 18,746 Bolivia .. .. .. .. .. 2,091 3,576 1,413 Brazil .. .. 13,080 11,517 5,937 12,665 27,559 15,955 Chili .. .. 11,500 76 2,520 10,446 10,625 7,560 Equador .. .. .. 281 1,161 3,042 5,003 6,624 Paraguay .. .. .. .. .. 6 10 20 Peru .... 7 .. 72 81 196 161 Uruguay .. .. 10,722 14,268 36,081 12 Totals.. .. 39,388 29,543 57,566 48,755 63,555 50,504

Exports to Fiji. Imports from Fiji. Total Trade. £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) £(N.Z.) 1931 .. .. 89,245 112,955 202,200 1932 .. .. 88,693 116,645 205,338 1933 .. .. 87,435 106,096 193,531 1934 .. .. 85,493 103,166 188,659 1935 .. .. 86,191 80,090 166,281 1936 .. .. 102,076 95,802 197,878