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been examined, the proportions to not seem to have varied
substantially over the last five years, except that the
purely non-Chinese trade appears to have decreased in
relative importance, while the flow of goods into China
has diminished more than the flow of goods out of China,
which is characteristic of the general trade position in
that country.
Probable Effects on Trade of a Customs Union.
6. (a) That part of Hong Kong's trade which is
concerned with the external trade of China might be
expected to be little affected, as it makes little
difference whether such trade passes the Customs barrier
between Hong Kong and China or between Hong Kong and the
Brotat third country concerned. Possibly some goods which are
at present attracted to Hong Kong by its position as a
Free Port and ultimately exported to China, would no
longer touch Hong Kong at all, but would go straight to
their ultimate destination.
(b) Hong Kong's own imports, the next largest
single item of trade, would presumably have to pay the
Chinese rates of Customs duty. The reactions of this
are further considered below.
(a) Hong Kong's own exports of manufactured goods
to China would be substantially assisted and there might,
in fact, be a very considerable increase of manufacturing
production in the Colony.
(a) The Chinese coastal trade would be assisted in
so far as Chinese goods at present passing through Hong
Kong lose their national status and have to pay duty
again on re-entry into China. (In this connexion,
however, see paragraph 13 below).
(e)