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COPY.
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CONFIDENTIAL
Not for publication.
HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
214
REPORT ON SHIPPING AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY: 17th February,
SHIPPING.
1939.
With the approach of Chins New Year, the market
generally is quieter.
The Bangkok end Saigon trades also
are affected, in some instances steamers on trip and time-
charter are securing only part cargoes.
However, a demand
is expected after the holidays. The coal trade also is
quiet.
There is no change in the China coast trades. The
tientsin market continues dull whilst practically no cargo
is offering from Chefoo & Weihaiwei to the south owing to
the "ban" on exports, etc., recently enforced by the
Japanese. Good cargoes from Tsingtao to Shanghai, whilst
the demand from Shanghai to the north and to South China
ports is fair. Good support from Hong Kong and from Swatow
to northern ports, chiefly rice, sugar, leaf fans, fresh
fruit, etc. Foochow enquiring for tonnage to lift salt to
Ningpo; nothing offering, however, to North China ports on
account of the embargo imposed by Chinese Authorities.
In spite of repeated aerial activity by the Japanese,
cargo continues to move from Pakhoi, though in smaller
quantity. The Japanese landed and captured Hoihow between
10th/11th February. It is reported
control of the Chinese Customs;
they have taken over
what effect this will have
No cargo moving
on future exports remains to be seen.
from Hoihow at present though British steamers continue to
call.
All
No change in position regarding the Canton River.
British and other foreign tonnage is excluded from trading
by the Japanese. Latest reports from Canton indicate
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conditions
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