1939 — Page 353

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IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.

SUMMARY OF STATISTICAL OFFICE REPORT ON THE TRADE

OF HONG KONG DURING THE YEAR 1989.

a marked

The aggregate trade of the Colony, as expressed in terms of local currency, declined by 0.2% during

the calendar year 1939 as compared with the year 1938, but increased by 4.0% as compared with

1. As a result of the continued Japanese blockade of South China ports there was

decline in trade with this area. Prior to the declaration of war in Europe the Colony imported

merchandise valued at $13.1 millions from Germany during 1939, as compared with $39.0 millions in

the full year 1938, and exported to that country $12.6 millions as compared with $13.1 millions in

the full year 1938. There were largely increased exports to the U.S.S.R. Both imports from and

exports to Japan showed a marked improvement, imports increasing from $18.8 millions in 1938 to

$27.4 millions iu 1939, and exports from $3.3 millions to $0.6 millions.

Total imports of merchandise in 1939 amounted to a value of $594.2 millions (£36.5 millions) as

compared with S618.1 millions (€38.2 millions) in 1938, and $617.1 millions (£38.1 millions) in 1937;

whilst exports totulled $533,4 millions (32.8 millions) in 1939 us compared with $511.9 millions

(E81.7 millions) in 1978, and $407.8 millions (£28.8 millions) in 1937.

Imports of merchandise in 1939 decreased by 3.9% as compared with 1938, and by 3.7% as com- pared with 1937; whilst exports increased by 4.2% as compared with 1938 and by 14.1%as compared

with 1937.

Index numbers of wholesale prices in the Colony showed a general average decrease of 2.0% in 1939

ne compared with 1938, and 2.4% as compared with 1937.

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