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38 ADMINISTRATION IiKPORT OF THE PERSIAN GULF POLITICAL

PART III.
TRADE OF THE PERSIAN GOLF DURING THE YEAR 1883.
The value and fluctuations of tin's trade can be approximately learnt from the annexed
tables prepared with much care from all the available sources of information by Mr. G. Eneas,
Vice-Consul at Bushirc.
Imports into Persia have continued to increase, and, as the goods imported were much in
excess of the requirements of the markets, forced sales were often necessary at unrcmuncrative
prices. The increase of imports was most marked in piece-goods, metals, and loaf-sugar.
Some of the European firms at Bushire opened branches at Shiraz and Ispahan, in view
of supplying the large consuming districts direct, instead of through native agency. This
has caused the retirement of some native merchants aud the closing of many native agency
bouses at Busliire.
Wheat was fairly abundant, fetched good prices, and was exported on a moderate scale.
The agricultural districts benefited and were generally prosperous.
The exports of opium decreased, severe losses ou sales in China having deterred cultiva­
tors considerably.
The pearl trade of the Gulf in 18S3 was again unfavourable. The yield was good, but
demand for pearls did not come up to the expectation of the dealers.
Trade between the Gulf acd Bombay received an impetus owing to the low rates of
freight from Europe to Bombay, which enabled merchants to import more cheaply through
Bombay than direct from Europe to the Gulf.
In May 1833 a treaty of commerce was signed between the Netherlands and Persia,
the terms of which corresponded gcLerally with those of the French-Persian Commercial
Treaty of 1855. The Dutch treaty provides, however, for the establishment of five Dutch
Consulates in Persia,—i.e., at Bu-hire, Tnbrecz, Resht, Ispahan, and Mohammcrah,—whereas
the number of French Consuls have been limited to three. The Dutch treaty likewise provides
for re-exportation of goods, on payment of one per cent, duty in addition to warehouse
charges, and for the erection of special warehouses to this end at Bushire. The ratifications
of this treaty were to have been exchanged at Teheran within a period of four mouths, but the
term appears to have beeu extended. British merchants do not anticipate much advantage
from this concession, as there is at present no re-export trade, and none is expected to
spring np.