LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE, TRANSMITTING A report on the commercial relations of the United States with foreign nations for the year ending September 30, 1871. FEBRUARY 7, 1872.-Referred to the Committee on Commerce. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, February 2, 1872. SIR: In compliance with the acts of Congress of August 16, 1842, and August 18, 1856, I have the honor to transmit herewith a report on the commercial relations of the United States with foreign nations for the year ending September 30, 1871. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, Hon. JAMES G. BLAINE, Speaker of the House of Representatives. HAMILTON FISH. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. BUENOS AYRES. SEPTEMBER 30, 1871. (Received November 23.) EXPORTS. The exports for the year are shown in table No. 1. This is made up from private, but, I think, reliable sources. The statistics of the custom-house have been published only up to the close of the year 1869, so that no full commercial returns according to the forms furnished by the Department can be made for a later period. I inclose one set of that year, Nos. 2 and 3. HIDES. There has been a considerable increase in the price of hides during the past year. Classified hides of this province now sell at the Barracas at about 52 reals F. per pesada, equivalent to 184 cents per pound. The total number of ox, cow, and horse hides exported during the year is 2.307.796. Of these, 907,206 were sent to the United States. WOOLS. There has been a very large increase in the price of wools of the finer Tades. Large amounts have been sent to the United States during the last four months, notwithstanding it was supposed that the duty on that grade of wools was prohibitory. This sudden demand has caused an excitement in the wool-market, and an increase of prices beyond what is really justified by the increased demand for Europe and the United States. Should this demand continue, it will greatly benefit this country, and give new life to the paralyzed wool-producing interest. Wools have, of late, been sold at a price equivalent to 1733 cents per pound. The average price during the year for wools of this province Las been about 114 cents per pound. These prices include all charges of shipment and export duties. The number of sheep in the Argentine Republic is about 70,000,000. Contrary to expectations, the high duty placed on wools in the United States has not decreased the number, although it has heretofore very much diminished the profits therefrom. FREIGHTS. Freights to the United States are in good demand, and vessels are loading much more promptly than formerly. The rates are, on dry b.des, five-eighths of 1 cent per pound and 5 per cent. primage. On bales, $5 per ton of 40 cubic feet, and 5 per cent. primage. |