TNAG-0046-FCO40-82-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 68

0003230

G.F. 323

CONFIDENTIAL

Enclosure 1

(Note:

Manufactures other than Textiles

the tariff quoted against the U.K. is the one applicable to imports from Hong Kong claiming preference)

Stainless steel cutlery (696 011: 696 061)

In 1961, the principal export markets for this item were

South Africa

U.K.

Canada

$293 thousand

$208 thousand

$60 thousand

out of total exports valued at $646 thousand.

In 1966, however, the principal markets were

Value

$10.7 million

U.K.

Netherlands

$1.1 million

U.S.A.

$875 thousand

M

Tariff

nil

17% - 18% a.v.

0.92

each + 10% to le each + 17.5%

W. Germany

$300 thousand

10.6% - 11.4% a.v.

Exports to South

out of total exports valued at $14.5 mi

million. Africa had declined to $143 thousand, reflecting the effects of the imposition of an anti-dumping duty in early 1963.

This item is now entirely dependent on the U.K. market. Some progress has been made in the Netherlands against a high tariff but performance there still lags considerably behind that in the U.K. The C.E.T. (the E.E.C.'s common external tariff) is 17% for knives and 15% for spoons and forks, to be reduced to 13% and 8.5% respectively as a result of the Kennedy Round.

Hong

Kong exporters and manufacturers consider that it would be difficult to compete without preference against Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, whose prices are 10% - 30% lower than Hong Kong's.

Electric bulbs, filament, for electric lighting (other than torch bulbs) and for fairy lighting (729 202)

In 1961, the principal markets for this item were

U.K.

U.S.A.

out of total exports of $7.9 million. export markets were still

$5.3 million

$970 thousand

-

In 1966, the principal

CONFIDENTIAL