1920-1930
HONGKONG, 1922.
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Rope Making. For the first part of the year the demand was fairly good and prices for raw material were low, but towards the close of the year the Manila hemp market steadily advanced and prices for rope were correspondingly increased and the demand was checked. The prospects of business for the new year are therefore rather unfavourable, but, on the other hand, the fall in the sterling value of the dollar will to some extent offset the increased cost as far as exports to gold-using countries are concerned.
Cement Manufacture.-There was a strong demand for cement throughout the year, but very severe competition was experienced in all markets, due to the importation of cheap cement from Europe, which necessitated prices being reduced to an absolute minimum. The actual turnover locally was much the same as last year.
(ii.)—Under Chinese Management.
Tin-Business was fairly good and United States bought freely and dealers were given an opportunity of clearing somewhat large surplus stocks carried over from 1921. The comparative table is as follows:-
Exports. Imports. 1921. 1922. 1921. 1922. Tons Tons Tons Tons From Straits 700 47 To United Kingdom 2,000 863 China 8,250 8,566 United States 1,000 7,043 Total 8,950 8,613 China.. 2,100 2,878 Japan 1,000 1,271 Total 6,100 12,055Native Tobacco.-Very little business done during the year and total exports are estimated at £471,252, as compared with £513,478 in 1921.
Leather and Hides.-Returns in these lines are as follows :-
For 1922. For 1921. Buffalo-piculs 6,714 Buffalo-piculs 11,243 Cow 54,911 Cow 58,642 Goat 6,254 Goat 2,126 Sheep ** Sheep 1,388 615Very few hides arrived from Kwangsi on account of continued trouble in the interior.
Ginger and Preserves.-A considerable increase in this line is reported, exports for 1922 being £206,099 as compared with £149,093 for 1921.
Soy.-An increase is also reported in this line, returns showing £61,447 as against £50,639 for 1921.