420 PAPER IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



UNITED STATES TRADE. 



The manager of the American press recently ordered 132 reams 

 of book paper from the United States, and expects hereafter to use 

 American paper extensively. If American manufacturers can furnish 

 certain grades of paper in successful competition with Austria and 

 Italy, as shown by this trial, in spite of unfavorable transportation 

 conditions, the prospects are certainly bright for future business. I 

 can not doubt that the principal levantine ports will soon be favored 

 with regular direct steamship connections with the United States.* 

 A native agent has solicited and received a number of orders for 

 American paper, but I do not know if the order will be executed. 

 All leading countries except the United States are represented here 

 by resident agents, selling paper on commission. They also send 

 commercial travelers to this market with samples and price lists. 



G. BIE RAVNDAL, 



BEIRUT, February 27, 1899. Consul. 



JERUSALEM. 



In the paper industry, this country is several centuries behind 

 the times, and it is improbable that the best report I can make will 

 be of any service to those proposing the questions contained in the 

 circular. 



Without direct communication with the United States,* our mer- 

 chants can not compete here successfully with those of other coun- 

 tries in the matter of paper or of any other commodity; still, if 

 American stores were opened in Jerusalem and other large towns of 

 Palestine, as was proposed in my annual report of September 26, 

 1898,1 American paper would soon, because of its excellent qualities, 

 commend itself to foreign residents; but the sales would for a time 

 be extremely limited. 



No paper is manufactured in this country, and any attempt of the 

 kind would be foolish. There exist no trees, grasses, or other raw 

 materials, with the single exception of a small quantity of rags, that 

 could be used for the purpose. Straw exists, of course. 



Some rags are exported every year, the total value amounting to 

 only a few thousand dollars. 



The kinds of paper used here are writing, book, printing, wrap- 



* NOTE BY THE BUREAU OF FOREIGN COMMERCE. This service has been established since the date of 

 the above report. See Consular Reports No. 224 (May, 1899); Advance Sheets No. 376 (March 17, 

 1889). 



t See Commercial Relations, 1898, Vol. I. 



