manufactured goods exported, since for some countries Certificates of Origin are not required. The figures also do not cover all exports to the United Kingdom as in certain cases H.M. Customs approve costings for a factory over a stated period, and consequently do not require Imperial Preference Certificates for each shipment. It should also be mentioned that these are figures of value; costs have risen, and with them the price of finished goods; the resultant increase in value does not represent a corresponding increase in volume.
SOME HONG KONG INDUSTRIES
Cotton Spinning
Some 200,000 spindles are now in operation in 13 mills, the largest of which operates 38,000 spindles. The mills worked almost to full capacity during the year and the yarn produced was of a high quality with wastage reduced to a minimum by the installation of modern suction machinery.
Weaving & Knitting
The high price of yarn and Japanese competition, particularly in grey sheeting, have combined to make 1951 a poor year generally. By December only one weaving factory was working to capacity, some 80% were working at intervals, and one large factory had gone into liquidation. Of the knitting factories some 60% had closed down, the remainder working only 15 days in the month.
Enamelware and Aluminium ware
The enamel and aluminium industries had a fair year, considering the many difficulties of supply, although none of the factories worked to capacity. Competition in Asian markets is keen, but there are encouraging signs, particularly in the Indonesian market.
Rubber wares
The rubber manufacturing industry was faced with high prices for raw rubber and few factories worked at full capacity. Raw materials became a little cheaper towards the end of the year, with a resulting improvement in business.
Torches
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Most factories operated below capacity during the year, due in part to a shortage of British and American brass sheets.
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