The sun., 1918-12-23
BIG OPPORTUNITIES
IN SOUTH AMERICA
c. s. Banks Lead tho Way in
Fostering Commerce With
Neighboring Countries.
Special Despatch 10 THr srx

Boston, Dec. 22.-B. W. Tranord,
vice president of the First National
Bank Of Boston. in an interview to-
day declared that the United States
has never been in stronger position as
regards It's banking facilities for trade
ana commeroe with Latin America
Not only have branches been estab-
lished in South American countries
he said. by some banks but others
have established close afiiliations with
banks in South America. Mr.. Trafford
said in part:
THE trade OF the United States with
Latin America has increased i'm
mensely during the past few years,
chiefly because of the suspension of
trade with Europe due to the war. but
in part also as a result of the steady
growth OF commercial relations be-
tween this country and the countries
OF South America The total trade
between the United States and South
America during the past fiscal year
amounted 10 1880, 900, as com
pared with s750,0o0,0O0 during the
fiscal year to June 80. 1914. the last
prior to the outbreak OF the war. Our
exports to Latin America increased
from $3.50. o00,000 to 500, 100000, an in
crease OF 257 per cent. and our i'm
ports increased from $470,000, 900 to
81 $500 1000. or PA per cent.
! Greater Trade with More ships.
t.
as 1t is, would have been still larger II
there had been adequate shipping IA
cilities. The exigencies OF the war ne
cessitated the transfer to war work OF
all the available shipping and little was
| left for ordinary commercial purposes.
There. is at present an immense
amount of merchandise IN $, "ehouses
awaiting shipment to Sou .'merica.
| chiefly to Rio de Janeiro and 3uenos
Ayres.
There has been no vessel direct to
Montevideo for about three months
| Service on the west coast Of South
! America has been better than on the
east coast, and a considerable tonnage
OF goods has been shipped by that
route destined for Argentina and other
countries on the east coast. AS the
railroad across the mountains is mar
row gauge, however. these shipments
have to be transferred twice, and the
cost is prohibitive unless the value OF
the goods is high or the need is ur-
! gent
III this trade is TO be held in compe-
tition with Europe exporters here will
have to adapt themselves to the meth
DDS OF their South American GUS
toners. During the last few years this
country has been practically the only
source OF supply for South America.
and SO buyers there have not insisted
upon strict conformity to usual Gus
toms Now that the European nations
are prepared to resume trade. however.
shippers here win have to consider
this aspect OF the case.
Banks Blaze the Trait.
"As regards banking facilities the
United States is in a stronger position
than ever before, O considerable num-
Der Of branches of American banks
having been established in South
American countries, while other banks
here have established close affiliations
/
this Government passes legislation de-
signed 10 encourage American ship
ping this should tend to increase our
trade materially. as manitestly this
country would be at a disadvantage
as II has been in the past. II COM
PEELED to rely upon foreign shipping
to carry its goods.
THE American Exporters and I'm
porters Association has begun a cam.
paign of education in Brazil which Il
is hoped will result in a large increase
in trade with that country, which ha!
immense possibilities, only a small
part of which has been exploited
Brazil exported to the United States
in the six months to June 80, 1918
sos 100000, rs compared with $71.225..
600 a year previous. Its imports from
the United States in the same perioC
were $42, 459.000, In comparison will
G42,362 900. Our trade with Argentine
has been heavy. Last year we i'm
ported $13S,000,000 from Argentine
and exported $l6l 100000 to that coun
try. The relations between the tw,
countries are close and cordial AM
this trade doubtless will increase.
Opportunities for Business.
Business with some Of the smalle
South American countries has beef
comparatively neglected. This is es
pecially true Of the northern countries
OF South America These countries
have an immense amount OF natura
products for which there Is a derpan'
here, but their own wants are no
large, as n tropical climate reduces tn
demand for clothing and construction
materials.
1.-THE Government OF Mexico Is seek
ing to make a commercial alliance witt
some of these countries, but Mexico 4
not an industrial country, and II /
doubtful II it could supply any larg
amount of goods in competition wit
the United States or Others countries
Increased railroad facilities will b
necessary in most of these countries q
hi