US Exports 1927
WHAT THE WORLD WANTS TO BUY FROM US
ROMANCE is found by a Western editor in one of the “dollars and cents service” bulletins of the Department of Commerce noting actual inquiries received by the Department from thirty-two foreign countries regarding specific American products they desire to purchase. It seems that “what the world wants includes such diversified things as automobiles, dish-washing machines, gumdrops, canned foods, rebuilt typewriters, sporting goods, shoe-shining equipment, lubricating oils, drug supplies, office equipment, leathers, and cardboard boxes.” The Spokane Spokesman Review, which thus calls attention to the Commerce Department’s bulletin, goes on to summarize further the information given about what the world wants to buy from us:
American silk hose are wanted by residents of Colombia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, and South Africa. American underwear is sought by both men and women in the Dominican Republic and Denmark.
Egypt wants American felt hats in all colors for men and women, while Austria and Denmark ask about bathing-suits, caps, and rubber shoes. Colombia wants American canvas shoes with rubber soles.
Costa Rica has a sweet tooth and wants our gumdrops and chocolate bars. The Dutch East Indies want neckties, while
Germany asks tor shoe-shining machines and horn and hoof scrap. Switzerland, the home of the elusive chamois, wants our chamois leather.
Austria wants toy balloons and Denmark garden hose. Italy asks about toys. India wants sporting goods, especially tennis, and Egypt wants canned asparagus.
Obviously, the list is only partial. Virtually every American commodity is wanted somewhere in the world. It is to put the American manufacturer with a surplus in touch with these prospective buyers that the department is launching this “dollars and cents” service.
Source: The Literary Digest for October 1, 1927
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