A4 no. 133-143 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON, D. C. AT 5 CENTS PER COPY STATS OIHO YIRAVIMU II. Importance of the Cuban market... Position of Cuba in the United States export trade. Statistics of the importation of footwear into Cuba. Decline of French and Spanish trade... Popularity of American shoes... Appearance and arrangement of stores.. National habits and customs... VII. Preparation of shipments.. Packing for protection against pilfering. Importance of correct invoicing.. Necessity for careful attention to shipping details. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, BUREAU OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC COMMERCE, Washington, January 25, 1917. SIR: There is submitted herewith a report on the market for boots and shoes in Cuba, prepared by Special Agent H. G. Brock, after an investigation extending over a period of about three months. The situation in the boot and shoe trade in Cuba can hardly be compared with that in any other foreign country where American shoes are extensively sold. The shoes of this country are not competing in the Cuban market against British, French, Austrian, or German shoes; neither do they have to contend against a large production of footwear manufactured in Cuba. Over 80 per cent of the shoes that Cuba imports are made in American factories; in other words, American shoe manufacturers are confronted chiefly with the problem of selling one make of American shoes in competition with many other American makes. That the United States already holds such an overwhelmingly large share of the Cuban trade in boots and shoes might lead one to assume that an investigation of the shoe-trade situation on that island would hardly be worth while, as far as improving the market for American-made footwear is concerned. Nevertheless, the general information contained in this report will serve to supplement the knowledge that American shoe manufacturers have already acquired from their salesmen, local representatives, or customers. It is believed, moreover, that this report will prove timely, not only in calling attention to ways in which individual manufacturers may strengthen their hold on the Cuban shoe market, but also in pointing out certain features of the local shoe-trade situation that are not universally understood. Respectfully, E. E. PRATT, Secretary of Commerce. To Hon. WILLIAM C. REDFIELD, 5 |