XN000022-1996-12-06 — Page 11

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9.

The import volume of raw materials and semi-manufactures increased by 1.6% in September 1996 compared with September 1995.

Increases in import volume were recorded for most commodities in the end-use category of raw materials and semi-manufactures. Significant increases in import volume were noted of plastic material; and paper and paperboard. However, decreases were noted of wool and other animal hair; and yarn of man-made fibres.

Imports of fuels decreased by 12% in volume in September 1996 compared with September 1995.

As regards capital goods, the volume of imports increased by 6.7% in September 1996 over September 1995.

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

Comparing September 1996 with September 1995, import prices of fuels and consumer goods increased by 20% and 1.1% respectively.

On the other hand, import prices of raw materials and semi-manufactures; capital goods; and foodstuffs decreased by 7.2%, 3% and 0.6% respectively.

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

The report will be available on sale around December 9 at $14 per copy at either the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway or the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 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, 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.