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Increases in import volume were recorded in most of the raw materials and semi-manufactures. Significant increases were noted of iron and steel; and woven fabrics of wool and mixtures. However, decreases in the import volume were noted of raw cotton and silk fabrics.
Imports of fuels increased by 46% in volume in April 1996 compared with April 1995.
As regards capital goods, the import volume increased by 13% in April 1996 over April 1995.
Notable increases were recorded in the import volume of scientific, medical, optical, measuring and controlling instruments & apparatus; and industrial machinery(other than textile machinery and electrical machinery). The import volume of transport equipment and textile machinery however decreased.
Comparing April 1996 with April 1995, the import prices of fuels and consumer goods increased by 10% and 1.4% respectively.
On the other hand, the import prices of capital goods, raw materials and semi- manufactures, and foodstuffs decreased by 4.5%, 2.9% and 0.4% respectively.
Details of the above statistics are published in the April 1996 issue of the "Hong Kong Trade Index Numbers".
The report will be on sale around July 11 at $14 per copy at either (i) the Government Publications Centre on the ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway; or (ii) the Publications Section of the Census and Statistics Department on the 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.
Enquiries regarding regular subscription to this report may be directed to the Publications (Sales) Office of the Information Services Department on 28th floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Tel 2598 8194 and enquiries on trade indices to the Census and Statistics Department, Tel 2582 4918.