MALT AND BEER IN SPANISH AMERICA. 



347 



TARIFF ON IMPORTED BEERS. 



In order to better protect the brewing industry of the country, the 

 Argentine tariff on imported beers has of late years been considerably 

 increased. Whereas formerly beer in bottles paid a duty of 20 per cent, 

 on a valuation of $2.25 per dozen, and in casks a duty of 20 per cent, 

 on A valuation of 15 cents per liter, now the duty on such beer is 15 cents 

 per liter when it conies in casks, and 15 cents per bottle when it comes 

 in bottles. This decided tariff has had the effect of greatly stimulating 

 the production and the consumption of native fermented liquors. 



IMPORTS OF FOREIGN BEERS AND ALES. 



Notwithstanding the increased duty, however, and the very consider- 

 able quantities of beer now produced here, there is still a large and 

 continuing demand for foreign beers and ales. The following table 

 shows the imports in casks for the years 1887 and 1888: 



Imports in wooden casks. 



For the same years the amount imported in bottles was as follows: 



Imports in bottles. 



The official returns of beer imports for 1889 have not yet been pub- 

 lished by the statistical office, but I think they will be found to be 

 larger than for any previous year. 



