The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-03-17
MERCHANTS URGED
TO CONSIDER CUBA
T. Fred Aspden Points Out OPP
portunities Offered by
Island Republic.
AMERICAN GOODS LIKED
Nation Is Prosperous, Having
Suffered Little From War
Conditions
AMERICAN GOODS LIKED

American merchants who are now en-
gagged in preparing their postwar trade
expansion campaigns should not over
look Cuba as a market for American
goods, according to T. Fred Aspden, vice.
president of the American Foreign Bank
ing Corporation. who points out that
Cuba has been less disturbed econom-
ically, commercially and industrially be-
cause OF the war than any world nation.
that Its monetary system 10 in excellent
condition and that its industries, instead
OF having been disrupted, are working at
full production capacity.
That the island republic offers prom
Using returns to American business men
going after trade in the export field ID
cue. Mr.. Aspden says. TO the following
reasons: First, because the commercial
relations already existing between the
two nations obviate the cultivation of
good feeling and understanding which is
necessary before American products can
meet with fullest success and accep-
tances In other fields; and again. because
trade relations are already established
on flrm basis and American goods are
not only received welcomely. but by reel
procal trade treaties American products
G
ments particularly favorable and advan-
tageous TO American merchants.
Opens Branch I'm Havana.
Tho American Foreign Banking Cor
poration recently opened a branch In
Havana to caro- for the financial in
terests Of American concerns that will
eventually do business in that country
There are many things about Cuba
which the average American business
man does not KNOW" he says 1T is
not generally known, for instance, that
Havana, next TO New York, IL the most
important harbor In point of foreign
commerce In the Western Hemisphere
The commerce Of that port, before the
restrictions on shipping resulted in an
almost complete tieup OF traffic
amounted to over 100000 tons The
tonnage OF neither Boston. Philadelphia
New Orleans Mobile or Galveston APP
proaches that figure.
Before the war all but 10 per cent
of Cuba's exports were to the United
States. At the same time more thar
20 per cent. OF her imports were from
this country. From these figures the
receptivity OF the Cuban markets tc
American products can readily be seen.
'TStnce tho beginning OF the republic
in 1902 Cuba's foreign commerce has
increased 500 per cent. In the last ter
years its exports have increased l40 pei
! cent, while in the same period its i'm.
ports Increased So per cent Need any
thing further be said of the healthy in.
dustrial and commercial growth of the
islandc
Cuba's Present Chief Needs.
AT present Cuba's great need is fol-
! cotton goods. clothing, shoes ana wear
ing apparel OF all kinds Normally her
imports in these products are more i'm.
portant than any other while potatoes
milk, especially the condensed varieties
-four, lard, hams. wines and other
comestibies form an important part o.
her business Agricultural machinery
especially grinding machinery TO-, ne
sugar mills, Is a large import item.
"One might speak at length of tn,
many advantages OF trade In Cuba. In
short, Cuba IL a profitable and receptiv,
market One which is open to America
business on particularly favorable condi
lions, and one which can be cultivated
with profit.
"On more than one occasion in recent
years the island republic has given force
full evidence OF her cordial feeling toward
| the United States. Her action, followinf
the declaration OF war against German,
by the United States. In immediatel,
severing diplomatic relations and hersel,
declaring war by unanimous vote. gives
material evidence of the close relation,
and sentimental loyalty which the peopl,
OF Cuba bear the United States. Under
such auspices American merchants can
not help but find their products warmly
received in the Cuban markets.
with the development of the full re-
sources Of the republic these products Of
export will be augmented by a much
larger variety. The various department.
OF the Cuban Government are alread,
taking active interest In the commercial
and industrial affairs of the nation with
a view of stimulating production fol
purposes of trade expansion. Their eff.
forts promise them reward In good re.
suits"