ENG-1957 — Page 109

90

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

clothing, manufactured articles and sugar. Imports from Malaya fell by $50.6 million compared with 1956, recording reductions in the value of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials.

Indonesia took exports to the value of $312.5 million, or 10% of total exports, and was the third most important customer. Compared, however, with 1956 this represented a fall of $188.9 million which the very heavy exports in 1956 rendered more pronounced. Exports of textile yarn and piece-goods fell by $92 million, while decreases were also recorded for clothing, non-electrical machinery and non- metallic mineral manufactures. Heavier purchases of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials caused a rise of $67.4 million in imports from Indonesia.

Exports to the United States rose by $81.6 million to a total of $198.2 million; over 50% of this increase was accounted for by clothing alone, while miscellaneous manu- factured articles and piece-goods also rose. Imports from the U.S.A. rose by $115.2 million; ores and metal scrap, textile fibres and tobacco were the principal items involved.

Imports from Switzerland increased by $61.4 million to $193 million in 1957; scientific instruments (including photographic and optical goods, watches and clocks) ac- counted for $49.5 million, of this increase.

Exports to Thailand fell in value by $131.5 million com- pared with 1956; 1956 was a year of heavy exports of textile yarn and piece-goods to Thailand and these accounted for a fall of $53.3 million; base metals fell by $30.3 million.

China supplied imports valued at $1,131.1 million which represented 22% of total imports and was $92.8 million higher than in 1956. China normally supplies 45% - 50% of the Colony's imports of foodstuffs, and the increase over 1956 was partly accounted for by larger imports of fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs and honey, cereals and cereal preparations; imports of non-metallic mineral manu- factures and textile yarn and piece-goods also increased.