Beans.-Show an increase of 36,534 tons.
This trade came practically to a standstill in 1917 owing to the troubles in North China.
Flour.-Shows an increase of 3,937 tons due to larger shipments from Shanghai.
Liquid Fuel.-Shows an increase of 24,979 tons due to a greater demand by shipping on this commodity for bunkers.
Rice. Shows an increase of 47,952 tons due to the high freights obtainable during the year and large quantities having been discharged at this Port for re-shipment to Japan.
One vessel being available solely for this trade during the year.
Sandalwood.-Shows an increase due to one vessel available solely for this trade during the year.
Sugar. Shows an increase of 115,423 tons due to former restrictions placed by the Dutch Authorities in Java being removed.
Timber-Shows a small increase chiefly accounted for through small shipments from Pacific Ports.
General Cargo.-Shows an increase of 80,246 tons principally due to larger quantities being discharged at this Port waiting trans-shipment.
Decreases:
Bulk and Case Oil.-Show a decrease of 23,536 tons mainly due to the shortness of tonnage and a smaller demand by Chinese, owing to the danger in carriage through piratical bands in Southern China.
Coal. Shows a decrease of 371,325 tons due to the high prices prevailing and shortness of tonnage.
Cotton Yarn and Cotton.-Show a further decrease this year of 23,556 tons due to the general shortness of tonnage.
Transit Cargo.—Shows a decrease of 935,657 tons principally due to the restrictions on exports for European countries and shortness of tonnage.
Detailed and accurate statistics of imports and exports are now collected and published by the Imports and Exports Department. The rough statements hitherto included in this report will therefore be discontinued.
OPIUM.
The imports and exports of certificated opium during the year are as follows:
Malwa. Chests. Patna. Chests. Benares. Chests. Total. Chests. Import...... 1351/2 275 89 4991/2 Export.......Thirty-seven (37) chests of certificated opium out of 499 chests were exported to Canton, and the rest exported to Shanghai.