6. It is estimated that the quantum of the import trade increased by 4.4% in 1935, as compared with 1934, and decreased by 12.8% as compared with 1933 and 15.4% as compared with 1932, but, of necessity, the volume of imports into the Colony cannot be calculated accurately on account of the lack of a suitable unit of quantity, fluctuations in the dollar exchange, and the fact that many commodities imported are declared by value only.
7. The following countries increased their shares of the import trade:-Japan, U.S.A., French Indo-China, Germany, British Malaya, Australia, and Belgium; whilst increased shares of the export trade were credited to China, Japan, U.S.A., Kwong Chow Wan, and the Philippine Islands. (Details are given in Table II).
8. It will be seen from Table III that as compared with 1934, there were decreased imports in 1935 of live animals, building materials, chemicals and drugs, Chinese medicines, foodstuffs, fuels, hardware, intoxicating liquors, machinery, metals, nuts and seeds, paper and paperware, piece goods, tobacco, treasure, wearing apparel and sundries; whilst there were slight increases in imports of dyeing and tanning materials, oils and fats, paints and vehicles. Imports of artificial manures and also minerals and ores practically doubled. With exception of dyeing and tanning materials, machinery, artificial manures, treasure, and vehicles, all other groups of export commodities in 1935 showed a decline as compared with 1934.
9. Total movements of treasure amounted to $254.7 millions in 1935, as compared with $206.6 millions in 1934; imports accounting for $38.8 millions as compared with $78.1 millions in 1934, and exports $216.0 millions as compared with $128.5 millions in 1934. (Details are given in Table IV).
10. Average T.T. opening rates of exchange during the year 1935 were:--London 1/11¼; France 719.7/16; U.S.A. 47¼; Shanghai; 128¼; India 128; Singapore 82¼; Japan 165¼; Java 69¼. The highest Sterling average rate was 2/4 in May, steadily decreasing month by month to 1/3¼ in December.
11. Wholesale prices in the Colony during the year 1935 declined by 14.9% as compared with 1934, 24.7% as compared with 1933 and 22.1% as compared with the base year 1922. Foodstuffs declined by 9.4% in 1935 as compared with 1934, Textiles by 12.6%, Metals and Minerals by 18.1% and Miscellaneous Articles by 18.3%. (Details are given in Table V).