Hardware.
Producers of builder's hardware (locks, hinges, nails, screws, etc.) did well during the year Hurricane or pressure lamp factories continued to find ready markets, although their profits were considerably reduced. Stainless steel spoons and forks enjoyed a steady demand. Holloware factories had an increasing successful year and at the end of the year were fully booked ahead to July, 1949. Prices are low enough to meet world competition and the industry appears to have taken over a large part of the demand previously met by German, Czech and Japanese producers. The industry has a big expansion programme on hand.
Paint
Paint manufacturers had another successful year and they too have large expansion projects in view. Sales in 1948 amounted to HK$11 million and exports were made to South-East Asia, India, Mediterranean countries and Belgium.
Ship Repair and Ship Building.
Shortage of ship steel was the industry's major preoccupation in 1948. As postwar reconversions and overhauls are completed, the industry can only continue at full operation if it is in a position to undertake new construction. Orders are available, but it has not even been possible to obtain adequate steel for all repair work on hand and the prospects for 1949 are not bright. The industry has already had to lay off 30% of its labour force.
Miscellaneous.
Good business was enjoyed by the vacuum flask industry during the first half of the year but competition from Japan began to affect export markets later in the year. The seventeen factories making torch-cases have had a good year. There is as yet little sign of foreign competition in their export markets. Supplies of raw materials, particularily brass sheets, have improved and less reliance has had to be placed on salvaged material. "Everready" torches are made in Hong Kong for the American parent company's Far Eastern markets, including India. Torch-bulb and torch-battery factories, on the other hand, have not done well. The large rubber shoe factories are maintaining production and extending their ex- port connections which have benefited considerably from contacts made at the British Industries Fair, but import quotas into the United Kingdom, the biggest pre-war market, are still only a frac- tion of the pre-war level. This industry, along with the match
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