INDUSTRY AND TRADE
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mugs, beakers, combs, coat hangers, chopsticks, cigarette cases, mahjong sets, toys and novelties, many of which are of consider- able ingenuity, are made. The well known 'Walt Disney' and "Tom & Jerry' characters are produced under licence. An ancillary industry is the plastic coating of rattan by extrusion for use by local rattan weavers. Plastic insulation of wire is also carried out. Wood and Rattan. The manufacture of good-quality wooden furniture and toys is a sizeable industry in the Colony, and Hong Kong bamboo and rattan household articles have achieved a world-wide popularity.
Wood carving in camphorwood and teak is a traditional skill. Aircraft Engineering. One large establishment in the Colony provides transit and repair facilities for nineteen airlines using Kai Tak Airport. Facilities exist for complete airframe and engine overhaul, and work is received from twenty four countries as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Miscellaneous. Traditional handicrafts such as carving in ivory, jade and other precious stones, embroidery, lace and fine needle- work, the manufacture of brass, pewter and other metal ornaments, flourish in the Colony side by side with the more modern-types of industries.
TRADE
The value of the Colony's external trade fell during 1958. The combined value of imports and exports, at $7,582.53 million, was lower by $583.19 million than that for 1957; this was, however, mainly a fall in import values, which fell by $555.72 million compared with the abnormally high figure for 1957, while the value of exports declined by $27.47 million. The fall in export values was a fall in re-exports; the value of exports of products wholly or principally of Hong Kong origin rose above their 1957 level by $58.28 million, and at $1,260.28 million recorded their highest annual total yet. Cargo tonnages by all means of transport rose from 6,880,885 tons in 1957 to 7,376,471 in 1958.
The value of exports in 1958 was $2,988.80 million. The increase in the value of exports to the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Thailand and Western Germany which took place in 1958 could not offset the heavy reductions in exports to Japan and Indonesia. Over 56% of the value of exports was taken by six