XN000022-1996-06-07 — Page 14

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The import volume of raw materials and semi-manufactures increased by 3.4% in March 1996 compared with March 1995.

Increases in import volume were recorded in most of the raw materials and semi-manufactures. Significant increases were noted of base metal other than iron and steel; and thermionic, cold cathode or photo cathode valves and tubes, diodes, transistors etc and parts thereof. However, decreases in the import volume were noted of silk fabrics; and wool and other animal hair.

Imports of fuels decreased by 6.7% in volume in March 1996 compared with March 1995.

As regards capital goods, the import volume increased by 16% in March 1996 over March 1995.

Notable increases were recorded in the import volume of office machines; and industrial machinery, other than textile machinery and electrical machinery. The import volume of construction machinery however decreased.

Comparing March 1996 with March 1995, the import prices of most of the end- use categories increased: fuels (+8.3%); consumer goods (+2.3%); raw materials and semi-manufactures (+0.1%).

On the other hand, the import price of capital goods decreased by 1.9% while the import price of foodstuffs recorded no significant change.

Details of the above statistics are published in the March 1996 issue of the "Hong Kong Trade Index Numbers".

The report will be available on sale around June 11 at HK$14 per copy at either the Government Publications Centre on the ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway; or 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 at 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).

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