FCO 40/1616
from
large factories reported an improvement in their order-book
positions, though some small factories still suffered
insufficient orders. Second, manufacturers in general have become more confident and optimistic about export prospects in the coming months. Third, the situation continues to vary from industry to industry. The general impression is that textiles(3)
and clothing, and the electronics industry (such as audio products, video games, computer and related products,
and telecommunication equipment) are showing the fastest
recovery.
Other industries such as food and beverages, plastics, metal fabrication, watches and clocks, and toys have also recorded a recovery but it has been less marked. Fourth, in the second quarter, some manufacturers of plastic products, electronic products and electrical appliances experienced difficulties in obtaining raw materials and component parts as importers/wholesalers dealing in these goods were reluctant to sell due to the volatile exchange rate situation.
/Property
(3) According to the index of industrial production for the spinning and weaving industries, textile production in the first quarter of 1983 was 8% higher than in the same quarter last year.
Index of textile production
Spinning and weaving
(1973 = 100)
Spinning
Weaving
1981 Q1
1982 Q1
1983 01
୫୯୫୫ ୫୫୫୫ ୫
87
Q2
100
Q3
94
04
95
76
86
84
78
90
82
71
*288 20 2
78
100
92
111
89
29
102
105
71
83
81
95
94
79
106
98
44