Directory_and_Chronicle_1934

A134

CHEFOO

Direct imports from abroad declined in value, from 5.8 million Haikwan taels in 1931 to 3.6 million taels in the year under review. Japan being the principal supplier of cotton piece goods, imports from that country were re- placed by native goods or by indirect shipments of foreign cottons from Shang- hai. Imports of foreign sugar ceased altogether for two or three months after the raising of the tariff rates on that article, and the figure for the total ar- rivals for the year show a heavy decrease. A majority of the principal import. staples registered smaller totals than in 1931.

Direct exports of Chinese produce to foreign countries declined in value from 10.3 million Haikwan taels in 1931 to 8.5 million taels; and exports to Chinese ports also declined. Although the fruit harvest were generally satisfactory, exporters had a disappointing year owing to the cutting off of the Manchurian market. Vermicelli exports were well up to the good figures for the previous year, but the poorer prices offering indicated a slackening off of the demand from Hong Kong and abroad generally. Groundnuts did well despite the small area planted. Generally speaking, the embroidery and lace business was satisfactory. Linen for the former industry was imported principally from the United Kingdom, although a good proportion also came from Ger-. many and Italy.

Towards the end of the year certain restrictions on imports into Europe hampered trade in these commodities, but the continued depreciation of silver resulted in business being maintained in spite of the depressed condition of world trade in general. The demand for hairnets was steady and the export figures slightly greater than in the previous year. In spite of a great reduc tion in the price of pongee silk the demand from Great Britain, the largest consumer, was very much less than in previous years. Stocks of pongee held on the local market at the end of the year were unusually low, and, owing to the import duty now being levied on cocoons from Manchuria, weavers of these silks are faced with a heavy increase in the cost of raw material and with little prospect of obtaining higher prices for the finished articles. The future for this important industry is uncertain, therefore, and would appear to depend on how far home supplies of raw material can replace the Man- churian.

No new road construction was undertaken during the year in the district. The Chefoo-Weihsien highway was somewhat damaged by the transport of troops and military supplies, but bus services were maintained with Weihsien, connecting there with the Kiao-Tsi Railway; and buses were also run westward to Weihaiwei on a rather poor road. ́ ́!

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