Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1917 — EXPORT COAL IS BOOSTED [ARTICLE]

EXPORT COAL IS BOOSTED

Increase in Price Gives American Firms Part of Profit of Foreign Buyers. Washington, Dec. 14.—The United States fuel administration issued an order permitting shippers of coal for export or bunkering purposes, except to Canada and Mexico, to add $1.35 per ton of 2,000 pounds to the domestic price. Tills leaves the average at American ports $1.50 a ton lower than is charged for such coal in the leading English ports. The step was taken because coal for bunkers or cargoes sold to foreign buyers at the domestic price saves the foreign buyers at least $3 a ton as compared with English coal bought at Cardiff or Newcastle. This saving, however, has no effect in lowering the shipping rate, which is based on the cost of English.coal. The fuel administrator reached the conclusion that at least a portion of this profit which now goes into the pocket of the foreign dealer should be kept at home. All applications for license will be referred to the fuel administration for approval.