French import quotas

An import quota system has been one of the devices for trade control in frequent use since the world depression. A study of the French experience which covers a period of two years is illustrative of the problems arising from the imposition of such a system, the purpose for which it can be udes, its relation to commercial treaties as well as the administrative technique. Trough import quotas are a hindrance to the free flow of international trade, there is the question whether thery are not an instrument of economic control which may be a value in economic planning. Frnace introduced the system as an emergency measure but there is evidence that she is beginning to look upon it as a permanent part of her commercial policy.