XN000022-1996-08-08 — Page 9

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Over the same period of comparison, the import volume of consumer goods decreased by 4%.

Decreases in import volume were recorded in passenger motor cars; and miscellaneous made-up articles of textile materials. However, increases in the import volume were noted of household-type electrical appliances; and alcoholic beverages.

The import volume of raw materials and semi-manufactures decreased by 5.9% in May 1996 compared with May 1995.

Decreases in import volume were recorded in most of the raw materials and semi-manufactures. Significant decreases in the import volume were noted of raw cotton and silk fabrics. However, increases were noted of iron and steel; and woven fabrics of wool and mixtures.

1995.

Imports of fuels increased by 36% in volume in May 1996 compared with May

As regards capital goods, the import volume increased by 8.6% in May 1996 over May 1995.

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

Comparing May 1996 with May 1995, the import prices of fuels, consumer goods and foodstuffs increased by 5.1%, 2.4% and 0.2% respectively.

On the other hand, the import prices of capital goods; and raw materials and semi-manufactures decreased by 4.2% and 3.9% respectively.

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

The report will be on sale around August 10 at $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 on 2582 4918.