Australian Tariffs Hit Washington Timber
A new trade duty on Oregon and Washington fir puts local lumbermen on alert.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The fact that the Australian parliament has been, for some time past, considering the advisability of imposing a revenue tariff on imports of Oregon or Washington fir, has attracted the attention of our lumbermen, who are watching with interest the final outcome of the matter. Yesterday, it was reported that the Australian parliament has finally acted, and a duty has been imposed on the various sizes of Oregon fir. Sizes less than 3x12 inches face a duty of 5s per 100 superficial feet; sizes less than 12x6 inches face a duty of 2s 6d; and sizes of 12x6 and upwards face a duty of 1s 6d. All logs in rough or undressed of any size are admitted free. It is probable that other classes of lumber not here mentioned will later on receive the attention of the Australian legislators. Messrs. Lewis Crane are of the opinion that while an increase in price will likely result, the increase realized will hardly be in proportion to the duties fixed, at least until present stocks are reduced or until a better demand springs up.
“The fact that the Australian parliament has been... considering the advisability of imposing a revenue tariff... has attracted the attention of our lumbermen.”
International trade policy has defined Seattle’s economic health since its inception. Just as 1892 lumbermen fretted over Australian protectionism, modern PNW industries remain deeply sensitive to global tariffs and shipping dependencies.
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