imperial trade

• value of imperial trade for Britain?

  as world trade shrunk, imperialists like Lord Beaverbrook argued for return in idea of imperial preference which ends free trade but dominions opposed, wanting to protect own growing industries.

  • compromise reached at Ottawa conference of 1932. free trade was abandoned whilst still keeping dominions happy
• Ottawa conference of 1932?


  essentially Britain putting 10% taxes (Import Duties Act) on all imports. Britain and dominions would give each others exports preferential treatment in own markets. This reinforces the empires importance in supplying raw materials so trade within the empire is a source of crucial strength.
• what did exports/imports from britain to the empire look like?

  • 1929 British exports to the empire were 35%, in 1938 it was 31%.
  • 1929 British imports from the empire were 33%, in 1938 it was 41%.
• effects on imperial trade from war in empire?

  • Australia and NZ suffered, Aus being worse. Aus prices of its main exports due to depression (wheat, dairy, produce ect) fell faster than manufactured commodities that they imported. debts viewed by Britain as mismanagement of their financial affairs. (LABOUR PARTY WANTED INDEPENDENCE AFTER THIS)
  • Burma and Malaya hit hard, Malaya relying on tin and rubber exports and Burma on rice.
  • Africa produced food/raw materials, incomes in 1930s fell, bringing poverty and even starvation.