CHINA
Value of Trade
537
The total foreign trade of China in merchandise (ie., treasure excluded) in 1925 was valued at Hk. Tls. 1,724,217,881, which represents a decrease of Hk. Tls. 65,777,264 when compared with the preceding year's value (Hk. Tls. 1,789,995,145), but exceeds the 1923 figure by Hk. Tls. 47,897,578. The decrease in the 1925 figure, when compared with that for 1924, was due entirely to imports. The value of net imports. i.e., gross imports less re-exports of foreign produce to foreign countries, was estimated at Hk. Tls. 947,864,944 for 1925, as compared with Hk. Tls. 1,018,210,677 in 1924, a decrease of Hk. Tls. 70,345,733. The aggregate value of Chinese produce exported abroad, on the other hand, advanced from Hk. Tls. 771,784,468 in 1924 to Hk. Tls. 776,352,937 in 1925, an increase of Hk. Tls. 4,568,469. If the two values, net imports and Chinese exports, are compared, the result is an adverse balance in China's foreign trade of 171.5 million Haikwan taels, which can be compared with the unfavourable balances of 246 million taels in 1924 and 170 million taels in 1923. In discussing values, however, writes the Statistical Secretary of the Maritime Customs, one should remember that they are affected by exchange fluctuations, cost of production, financial and political complications and producing centres, and other external factors, and it will not be difficult to realise, in consequence, that they can give but an approximate idea of the volume of trade within any given period. They are, on the other hand, a fair indication of the importance of the commercial transactions which have been effected, and, in this respect, the values quoted above show that during 1925 the amount expended by China in purchasing foreign goods exceeds by some 171.5 millon taels the amount she has collected on the sale abroad of her own produce.
Imports Direct from Foreign Countries [In thousands of Haikwan taels (000 omitted).]
1923 Hk. Tls.
1924 Hk. Tls.
1925 Hk. Tls.
E
Cotton goods *
...
...
...
...
177,960
192,399
196,102
Wool and Cotton unions and woollen goods +
27,634
28,979
23,317
Metals and minerals
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
47,547
70,055
43,160
C
Chemicals
...
...
...
...
...
...
14,243
15,406
16,473
Dyes and pigments...
...
...
...
25,773
38,377
22,809
*Timber
...
...
...
...
Kerosene oil, liquid fuel, and lubricating oil
* Exclusive of raw cotton.
+ Exclusive of sheep's wool.
The Direction of China's Foreign Trade
[In thousands of Haikwan taels (000 omitted).]
...
...
62,838
63,478
70,805
11,442
18,966
12,192
Net Imports
Country
1923 Hk. Tls. Hk. Tls.
1924
1925 Hk. Tls.
1923 Hk. Tls.
Exports 1924 Hk. Tls.
1925 Hk. Tls.
Hongkong
243,100
238,355
172,789
175,796
173,163
114,715
Macao
6,223
7,689
8,272
3,968
5,087
4,068
Singapore, Straits, etc.
8,656
8,916
9,016
17,928
19,617
23,786
Dutch Indies
13,429
20,496
36,808
8,085
9,317
10,117
British India
55,036 38,739 48,737
12,329
11,436
12,777
"Great Britain
119,307 125,292
92,458
43,207
50,251
47,643
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
32,319
38,539 32,146
11,915
15,949
16,427
3,891
20,440 10,948
8,511
13,501 10,755
10,864 18,267
10,757
2,753
3,420
3,905
France
Italy
7,435 10,424
12,314
39,578
45,096
66,077
3,705
6,236
6,039
9,468
8,948
9,903
Russia and Siberia
7,626
8,612
11,844
34,092
46,359
47,962
Korea
........
9,539
9,443
8,467
30,281
30,855
34,782
Japan (incl. Formosa)
205,219
229,791
296,246
198,517
201,176
186,337
Canada..
10,325
15,552
7,177
2,001
1,107
1,266
U.S. of America (including
Hawaii)
147,989
Other Countries
38,740
186,387 138,663 35,033 45,184
126,804 27,684
100,755
143,236
35,747 42,597
Total
923,403 1,018,211 947,865
752,917
771,784 776,353
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