The Hispanic American Historical Review (Volume 4) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1921. Excerpt: ... NOTES AND COMMENT GOVERNMENT COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN HISPANIC AMERICA In 1913 the total foreign commerce of Hispanic America amounted to $2,874,612,151, of which $1,321,861,199 was imports and $1,552,750,952 was exports. By 1919 the total foreign commerce of Hispanic America had increased to $5,064,588,740, of which $1,934,747,794 represented imports and $3,129,840,946 exports, that is an increase of 46 per cent in imports and 102 per cent in exports and an increase in the total trade of 74 per cent. Hispanic America's total imports from the United States for the three years 1915-18 increased 99 per cent over the total imports for the three years 1910-13, while its imports from the United Kingdom increased but 49 per cent and from France 30 per cent during the same period. The value of our trade with the five leading Hispanic American countries show the following increases from 1913 to 1920 (each in per cent): Cuba, 523; Brazil, 172; Mexico, 198; Argentina, 421; Chile, 274. Although the increase in our trade with Hispanic America is partially due to the higher values of commodities, this expansion has been gradual. The important position which the United States has come to occupy in Hispanic American trade is attributable to some extent to the World War. The United Kingdom during that period had diverted its attention largely from the promotion of its foreign trade to the business of winning the war, while Germany had been compelled to withdraw from the Hispanic American field. The question is, can we maintain our new position, which was virtually forced upon us? Since the United States has engaged in large financial undertakings in Europe, it has neglected to strengthen its position in Hispanic American investments. It is estimated that Great Britain has above five and a half bill...