A12
CHINA
Kowloon, with 4.17 per cent. The following table further analyses the ship- ping trade, showing the percentage share of the 'total entrances and clearances taken by the three leading flags during the year under review
1.
74
British ........... Chinese Japanese
FOREIGN DOMESTIC
TRADE
TRADE.
TOTAL TRADE.
"Per cent.
Per cent.
Per cent.
€38.54
43.36
41.75
15.85
35.81
29.14
19.12:
13:27
15.22
..
►
Pacific trade enjoyed a comparatively better year, due to increased exports; Especially of silk, seeds, and oils, to the United States of America. Trade to Europe and Mediterranean ports showed little improvement, unsettled condi- tions in Europe and Africa being partly responsible. Demand for space in the Pacific trade improved, and freight rates were increased by approximately 15 per cent.; on the other hand, there was no demand for additional tonnage to Europe, Conference" rates on this line being maintained at the same level as in 1934, though open rates for certain cargoes were reduced to stimulate business. The Norddeutscher Lloyd inaugurated in June a new express service between Hamburg and Kobe via Shanghai with the three liners Scharnhorst, Potsdam, and Gneisenau, which maintain monthly sailings. Coastal and river shipping showed improvement during the latter months of the year. Freight rates on the coast were competitive, but with an improvement in trade on the Upper Yangtze and the formation of the Lower Yangtze Shipping Pool, river rates improved to some extent.
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FREIGHTS VIA SUEZ
Freight rates by "Conference" shipping lines to Europe via Suez wère maintained for certain commodities at the previous year's levels as follows (per ton): general cargo, 90s. ; hides, 77s.; bristles, 132s.; raw cotton, 66s. ; cotton waste, 42s.; tobacco, 66s.; cotton lace, 114s.; or 2 per cent, ad valorem. The following rates per ton, on the other hand, were reduced during the period : fluorspar, from 42s. to 36s.; glycerine, from 135s. 6d. to 80s.; hemp, from 60s. to 556. groundnut oil in bulk, from 53s. 6d. to 40s.; groundnut oil in con- tainers, 84s. to 55s.; pongee made from fine silk, 228s. to 144s.; pongee made from wild silk, 204s. to 144s.; rape seed, 48s. to 44s. 6d; silk piece goods in cases, 228s. to 160s.; straw braid, 81. 6d. to 72s.; and refined sulphur, 120s. to 50s. The base rate for tea was maintained at 65s. The "open" rate on groundnut kernels fluctuated throughout year, rates maintained at 65s. The "open" rate on groundnut kernels fluctuated throughout the year, rates quoted being as low as 17s. and as high as 40s. per ton of 20 cwt. Groundnuts in shell followed proportionately. The "open" rate on beans was from 16s. to 263. Rates of freight on raw silk were steadily maintained, and since the stabilisa- tion of the Chinese dollar a noticeable increase in the export of this commodity has been noted in competition with silk from Japan.
TRANSPACIFIC FREIGHTS
Freight rates from China to ports on the Pacific coast were revised on the 1st August 1935, the new rates showing increases of approximately 15 per cent. on most items as compared with the November 1933 tariff. Important exceptions in which no increases were made were silks and various classes of silk goods and wood oil in bulk. The Canadian Pacific Steamships, Limited, resumed membership of the Transpacific Freight Bureau after a period of more than three years of non-membership. A few of the principal items may be specified as follows, contract rates for deliveries on the coast being quoted in each case. (per 40 cubic feet unless otherwise stated): general cargo, U. S. $17 W/M; brassware, U.S. $13; chinaware and cotton goods, U.S. $12; cotton