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CO DENTIAL Not for publication.
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HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
REPORT ON SHIPPING AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY, 1.4.39.
SHIPPING.
244
The Freight market is quieter. No fixtures reported
and the only enquiries received were for 3/4000 tons Rice,
Saigon to Taku Bar; 3000 tons Rice, Saigon to Philippines.
Offer came to hand for a Coal loading, Miike and Keelung to
Hong Kong but the business fell through as charterers (Japanese)
could not secure permits for shipment by foreign tonnage.
Regarding China coast trades, the demand from Tientsin
is dull. From Chefoo and Weihaiwei fair support is offering but
regular lines are experiencing acute competition from
"outsiders, and Japanese lines, who are drastically cutting
rates. Incidentally, it is reported Japanese steamers are
loading groundnuts etc., at North China ports ostensibly for
Shanghai but actually destined for Canton; these steamers do
not call at Hong Kong. Moderate support from Tsingtau. On
24th March news was received that the Japanese intend opening
the Tsingtau harbour to foreign and other tonnage, allocating 2
Berths at No. 1 Wharf and 1 Berth at No. 4 Wharf. No covered
storage, however, is available. The market from Shanghai to
northern and southern ports is strong. Good support from Hong
Kong whilst steamers are securing useful parcels from Swatow.
Latest reports indicate plenty of cargo offers at
Pakhoi but shipments are restricted on account of the recent
exchange control enforced by Chinese government. It appears
that though these regulations apply there are no facilities
arranged at Pakhoi to enable shippers to obtain exchange purchase
Commodities affected include wood oil, cassia,
certificates.
skins, gallnuts, feathers.
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Hoihow
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