Despite the steady growth of imports from Japan since the signing of the armistice, officials of the Department of Commerce to-day declared that American markets have been but little affected by the influx of oriental goods. Imports from Japan have increased mainly in value rather than in quantity During the 11 months ending with November 1919, the latest available figures, America import-goods valued at $367,130,187 from Japan, compared" with $261,260,502 in 1918 and $238,550,617 1917.
One reason for the increase in imports is the shipping facilities, now available, though Japan's expansion in foreign trade is regarded as general. Japanese goods which are sent to this country, however. are of the cheaper grades, is said, and do not compete with the high lass American manufactures. Low grade paper and cotton goods, tea, vegetable oils, silk and bamboo manufactures are said to form the bulk of the Japanese imports. The only classes of manufactures in which Japan and the United States are on a competitive footing are tors and a few novelties in which the two countries now lead the world.
MaoutNery Japan Neeps.
The constant increase in Japan's export trade not only with the United States but with the world indicates that a heavy demand will be made in the Far East for American machinery and mechani- 5 cal devices. Japan. it is said, can ed. cheaply manufacture low grade goods, but must import machinery with which to do it. Trade experts seem to concede that Japan will control the trade of the Far East in the cheaper lines, but they believe the demand for American manufacturing machinery and office appliances will keep step with the growth of Japanese trade.
No invasion of the American markets by Japanese manufaiturers is expected by trade experts of the Department of commerce. At present Japan has the advantage over European exporters; because of the unsettled conditions brought on by the war. But when the industries of Europe have readjusted themselves a return the normal flow of imports into the United States is looked for. For the next few years Japan's progress as 2 manufacturing nation will be almost wholly along the lines of her peculiar domestic products and low grade manufactures, it is asserted.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.