New Britain herald., 1923-05-05
HARDWARE MARKETS.
Slip FROM GERMANY
U, S. Department Of Commerce
Views Situation With Optimism
BY GEORGE Il. MANNING


| Washington Bureau OF New Britain Herald)
Washington, ID. c., May 5.--Pros.
poets for increased foreign trade By
American manufacturers of hardware
and cutlery are seen as greatly i'm
proved on account of the gradual dc.
terioration of the German product
which has hitherto been in possession
of most markets.
| According to reports to the depart
ment of commerce from American
consular representatives, the outlook
is now much better than it was at this
time last year.
Situation in Mexico
In the Mexican market, for exam
pie, rather slow buying on the part
Of local retailers, on account of the
large stocks on hand since 1921. has
featured the cutlery trade; but with
the more favorable exchange situation
now prevailing, the signs are that
there will be an increased demand
Local retailers of Mexico are won
dering, too, whether the German mar
ket will remain open to them much
longer, in view of the recent political
developments In industrial Germany.
American exporters, using the most
merchandising methods
such as the selection of able statesmen,
should be in a position to take advan-
tage Of this probable contingency.
American Razors Preferred
Pocket and pen knives and scissors
of German manufacture have been
very popular in this market. On the
other hand, American razors, par
ticuarly safety razors, are held in
preference. The cheaper German
safety razor is not sold in as large
quantities as the better American
brands retailing at about ten pesos.
including plated table
cutlery, is chiefly imported from the
United States. Miscellaneous cutlery
bordering on the line of edged tools
ZONES almost exclusively from the
United States.
American manufacturers will I'M
ioubtedly find it rather difficult to
at once the German manu-
actured article which has had such
III excellent reputation in the cutlery
inc in practically all parts of Latin
gradual Introduction of the best Am
rlcan cutlery by the most improved
ales methods, placed upon this mar
Set at the very lowest prices com
'atibe with a. fair profit, may advan-
age now be taken of the existing in
ustrial order.
i.atsia New Field For Development |
The Latvian market is another,
hitherto dominated by German hard
'are, which should he opened lid
lore to the American trade. The i,
ause of the domination of the mar
ct by Germany is to be found in the |
wv German currency. and the prox- &
nifty OF that country to Latvia. The
Meet of the currency is passing, but
course the advantages accruing I
rom proximity are permanent, and
re further enhanced by initiative
nd enterprise of the German for
'ardlng agents in effectlng prompt Z
elivery.
Purchasers in Latvia are conserva- =
We and reputation goes far toward y
nding a market. This is evidenced
Y the popularity of American saws :
nd safety razors Of well known :
axes. !,
American merchants cannot obtain !.
proportionate representation on the :
cal market If they Insist on cash at =
,rt of shipment. Their British COM =
,titors, who are quite conservative,
EN- satisfied with percentage of '
e cost with the order, and n SUBJ y
antial part or the remainder against y
'cuments Riga, and terms less fav-
able will hurt the prospects of the u
porter. g
10