German tariff of 1885
The German tariff of 1885 was a protectionist law passed by the Reichstag (under the guidance of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck) that raised tariffs on agricultural imports into Imperial Germany. It became law on 22 May 1885.[1]
The tariff of 1879 had imposed a duty of 1 mark per 100kg on wheat, rye and oats.[2] However, this had failed to prevent the fall in grain prices.[3] The price of wheat in Prussia had fallen from 46s.10d. per imperial quarter in 1880 to 34s.8d. per imperial quarter in 1885.[4] In 1880 the price of rye in Prussia was 9s.8d. per cwt.; in 1885 it was 7s.2d.[5] Germany had also lost most of its grain export markets.[6] The agrarian party had grown in strength, and they complained of foreign competition and demanded protection for Germany's food supply, which they argued was vital in wartime.[7]
Rates[edit]
The duties on wheat and rye were raised to 3 marks per 100kg; on oats 1.50 marks; on barley 1.50 marks; on maize 1 mark; on flour 7.50 marks; on meat 20 marks; on bullocks 30 marks; on cows 9 marks; on pigs 6 marks.[8] The duties on butter (20 marks), cheese (20 marks), eggs (3 marks) and wine (24 marks) remained unchanged from 1879.[9]
Notes[edit]
References[edit]
- Percy Ashley, Modern Tariff History: Germany–United States–France (New York: Howard Fertig, 1970).
- Michael Tracy, Government and Agriculture in Western Europe, 1880–1988 (London: Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1989).