New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-06-21
FRANCO-AMERICAN TRADE.
LARGE IMPORTATION OF FRUITS IN
FRANCE-TO BUILD UP MEXICAN
TRADE.

Statements issued this week by the Ministry
Of Commerce present three features Of interest
to Americans There is q falling off of S45oOOOo
in the value OF food products exported from
France, and a large proportion Of this IS at
tributed 10 the rapidly increasing importation
Of preserved and dried fruits from the United
States which are prominently displayed
by the corner grocers, not only in Paris, but IN
all the towns of the interior. especially at Mar
settles, Lyons Nantes Bordeaux. Eouen, Lille,
Toulouse and Rennes. The fruits most in de-
mand are dried apricots. dried peaches, dried
prunes and also fruits of all descriptions pre-
served in glass so that the contents can be seen
Timed fruits are not much in favor as those
packed in glass.
Some years ago there was a very large ex-
portation Of French fruit from Marseilles, Havre
and Nantes to New York, but during the last
two years the current OF trade in these articles
has been reversed. and American dried fruits
are now underseIIing French dried fruits in the
home market. Notwithstanding this dininut1on
in the value of French food products exported
from France, the total value of French exports
for the last year amounts TO $780, 100000 which
is an increase Of SIS 800 900 over the exports OF
the year 1861 French exports to the United
States for the year 1902 show an increase Of
100000 French exports TO Germany for the
same year have increased by S3.5O0000: TO Bel
GUM. S3.2000O0; to England, S2,9OoOoO; to
Italy, $15OOOO0; to Switzerland 81, 100000; TO
Austria Hungary. S1OOO00O; to Russia, $500
GEO. and to Brazil. 100000.
Reports from the French consuls or consular
agents in Central and South America indicate
that the French realize the Importance Of those
markets for French products NJ. Blondel the
French Minister at Mexico, has embodied in his
official report an able summary of the CONNER
caI situation in Mexico during the last i've
years NJ. BIondeI shows that while Germany
England and the United States have each dou-
bled their business with Mexico during that
period, that of France has only increased one
third. TIE French Minister points out how
French trade can be greatly increased in Mexico
and dweIls especially on the necessity of sending
out commercial travellers who speak Spanish to
study in detail Mexican requirements.
NJ BIondeI states that the Mexicans recognize
the superiority Of French articles and products
but that French manufacturers. owing 10 lack
of enterprise and negligence in meeting the Mex
leans half way and adapting their wares TO the
special needs Of the country. do not keep pace
with the German commercial travellers in Mex
leo, who know the language and the country
and who are active wide-awake and seem TO
make better progress than those Of the United
States and of Great Britain.
The opinion Of leading members OF the Paris
Chamber Of Commerce is that the resumption OF
official relations between France and Venezuela
q q
try, ard efforts are being made by wel-knOWu
French houses TO increase their business in Ar
gentina. which with Paraguay is considered as
Offering most promising market for french
manufactures
owing 70 the initiative of the French Minister
Of Commerce the French Consuls to the Coun-
tries in South and Central America, whenever
they come to Paris, are obliged TO pass certain
hours at the branch office OF the Ministry Of
Commerce in the Rue Feydeau and hold them
selves ready 10 answer questions and supply
information in regard 10 the markets Of the
countries 10 which they are accredited. Notices
TO this effect published in the daily papers
For instance. the leading Paris newspapers to
day announce that M. Eatan. Consular Agent
Of France a Iquitos Peru will he at the Ma
Feydeau on Friday next June 13, from 20 4
that may call there about the region OF the Up
per Amazon, NJ Chanteple Counselor
OF Commerce at Tamataye. viii be at the same
office on Thursday. June 10. from 70 4 o'clock"
This system is having excellent results here and
perhaps might be applied equally effectively TO
United States Consuls or consular agents who
happen he in New York or other commercial
centres in the United States.
4 circular recently issued by the French Di-
rector Of Customs is Of interest 10 Americans in
tending 10 visit France because for the first
time il fixes the exact quantities Of tobacco
cigars or cigarettes which may be introduced
into France by passengers for their own use Tree
of duty The quantities so allowed 10 be intro
duced are thirty cigars, fifty cigarettes, or
one hectogramme (3l2 ounces Of tobacco II
these quantities are exceeded, duty IS 10 be
levied only the amount exceeding the guam