Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-12
FRENCH INDUSTRY
IN SLACK PERIOD
CzechosIovakia Also Declared
Affected by Slump in For
eign Business.

Both France and Czechoslovakia,
which began to feel the effects of the
depression later than most other coun-
tries, are now being increasingly af-
fected, the Commerce Department re-
ported today in its comments on favor
able and unfavorable factors in the
weeks developments based on tele-
graphic advices received from its for
eign correspondents
The report said in France the heavy
unfavorable trade balance is causing
concern, unemployment is rising stead
lily and production is declining.
In CzechoSlovakia, the report added,
there is a decline in business in place
of the usual Fall expansion, but foreign
trade increased during September, with
exports for nine months considerably
exceeding imports.
U. S. Position Improves.
Czech statistics show the United States
advanced from fifth place to fourth as
supplier to CZechoSlovakia during the
FIRST nine months of 1881, occupying
the place formerly held by Hungary.
United States imports, the depart
ment was advised, comprised 5.5 per
cent of the total during this year as
compared with 81 per cent during the
1890 period Although this country
has been able to increase its relative
position, its total share is not so great
as year ago.
The downward trend Of this countrys
prime pal exports to Czechoslovakia, cot
ton. rubber goods, motor vehicles and
Office equipment was reported due TO
the depression than to competition from
other countries. Germany is still the
outstanding source, Commerce Depart
ment records show, supplying 27.6 per
cent of the total in the 1881 period as
compared with 25.5 per cent in 1880
period. Austria is in second place and
Poland third.
Czechoslovakia exports to the United
States for the quarter ending Septem-
Der 80, 1881, were valued at S5,490,000
as against Sc, 648, 200 in the correspond
ing period of 1880. Footwear, the lead
ing item in the first half of 1881, yield
ed its place to linen and linen goods in
the third quarter.
The report on the weeks develop
ments said political uncertainty is pre-
venting Spanish business from showing
the normal Autumn revival. Agricul-
tural prospects, however, were reported
improved by the breaking of the
drought.
Other Trade Data.
Although the abandonment of the
gold standard by Great Britain, the re-
port said, furnish a temporary set
back to Norwegian business, the set
tlement Of the prolonged labor difficult
ties has stimulated export and domestic
industries to some extent.
Polish foreign trade through Sep
TENDER shows an export surplus, but
exports as well as imports have been
lower in value than last year. The
volume of Austrian foreign trade con-
tinueS to decline, but the import ex-
cess during September was the lowest in
several years. Exchange regulations in
Greece to prevent depreciation of the
currency have affected business condi-
tons adversely. Optimism has been in
creased in Canada by the upward surge
of grain prices but wholesale and re-
tail trade as yet shows little gain.
THE Japanese public expects fur
ther decline in yen exchange. Retail
trading continues brisk in South China;
imports into Shanghai from Japan.
British Indian export trade has been
stimulated by the depreciation of the
rupee, but domestic business did not
show a marked gain during October
The tone Of Philippine markets is bet
ter, owing to a stronger market and
advancing prices for copra and hemp.
Better wheat prices and the steadiness
of the wool market have improved the
Australian outlook; the seamens strike
at Sydney has ended.
Except for continued slackness in
the import trade, developments are gen.
orally favorable il Argentina, with a
continued rise in cereal prices, good
crop prospects, and an easier exchange
situation. Slightly increasing conf
dence and an optimistic attitude in
general trading characterize the Bra
lillian situation. The business tone is
f1rn1er in Mexico, although actual con-
ditions show little change"