Evening star., 1923-10-07
LATIN AMERICA LOOKS UP
AS TRADE INCREASES
U. S. Continues Largest Supplier to and
Consumer Of Neighbors' Products
All Nations Advance.

The recognition of Mexico by the
United States is but one of many in
huences that are helping to improve
the economic situation and outlook
in Latin America, in which official
Washington and American business
are particularly interested at this
time, and which for some time past
have looked dubious.
Reimbursement to present world con-
ditions, revived dormant industries
and national policies OF rigid econ
omies among these sister republics
have all contributed to a steady bet
terment of the general economic con-
dition throughout Latin America.
While this region still depends to
large extent on the countries of
Europe for the marketing Of its
products, and before any era of
great prosperity can be anticipated
outside sources must again freely buy
the surplus Of Latin Americas pro-
ductfon, the past two years have
clearly demonstrated that despite re-
str1cted European markets Latin
America can rearrangc its trade flow
so as TO continue its progressive
march. though at a limited pace.
The United States is still the largest
single supplfer of Latin America and
the greatest consumer of its prod.
ucts; it is becoming an Increasing
factor in supplying these countries
with funds for their expanding re-
quirements: 1t takes a prominent part
In transporting the surplus products
from these countries, and its banks
proved n welcome addition in effect
ing these new relations.
RNffep SffuatfOv. PrevniIs 49,.
a convincing proof of the bettered
situation in the countries to the
south is disclosed by the recent fig
ures. OF American trade. Between
January l and July 81 OF this year
South American countries did 40 per
than during the first seven months
OF last year-selling so per cent more
and purchasing 81 per cent more tnan
last year. Add to this the increase
that has taken place in Latin Amer
lean trade with Europe, and 1t is
shown that their purchasing, power
has been materially increased.
Any attempt to describe economic
conditions in Latin America as a
whole Is futile unless it is borne IN
lies is a separate entity with dis,
tinct problems and conditions; and
any general statement can only De
the sum Of these unrelated factors.
CuDa mas Oenente0. materially ioiA
the upward movement In crop prices,
q satisfactory crop of sugar resulting
in materially increased exports. and
various governmental and financlal
reforms. Government budgets show
large surplus OF revenues over cur.
rent expenditures. the congestion OF
merchandise at Havana Is no longer
problem, and some progress mas
been made in the liquidation OF banks
While the economic, situation might
be considered as much better than
year ago, some elements. or uncer-
tainty now exist which were not ap-
parent last year.
VIII Stimulate Production.
Recognition of Mexico by the
United States undoubtedly will slim
ulate production Of natural resources
and directly or indirectly favorably
AFFECT the entire economic position
Of the country. During the past year
there have been many signs or bet
tered conditions, in spite OF falifng
Off in petroleum production, There
has been an increase in acreage un-
der cultivation and crops look prom
ising; mining s, activities have been
somewhat greater and COTTON apd