Page 135 - PERSIAN 4 1890_1899

RESIDENCY AND MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY POR THE YEAR 1892-93. 25
Sugar,— Owing to tbe outbreak of cholera in Russia and the consequent
dosing of the trade routes in tbe north of Persia there was a brisk demand for
Marseille loaf-sugar, and large orders were sent to Marseilles, whence the sugar
^ shipped to the Gulf and forwarded to the interior of Persia via Bushire,
Bussorah, and Baghdad. Later on tbe imports increased to such an extent that
mule hire from Busbire to Shiraz, 167 miles distant, rose to krans 1*20 per
maund or one-third of the value. Stocks of sugar in the 6outh are now very large
and prices are declining. The extraordinary rise in the prices seems to have
attracted thc’attention of Russian refineries, and importations of Russian loaf-
sugar in Tehran are reported. It is said that the Marseilles loaf-sugar will in
future compete successfully with the Russian article, which may have to recede
from the Tehran market, if not further north. Mauritius sugar was also im­
ported in large quantities.
Tea.—This article continues to be imported in large quantities, India and
Java being the principal suppliers.

Exports.
Almond kernels.—The Sicily crop having been large, prices in the home
markets raled low as compared with those at the beginning of 1890, but local
prices did not decline to the same level. The business in this article during
the past year was chiefly restricted to native merchants who bought for the
Bombay market, European firms exporting only a very limited quantity to
London. The trade in this article fell off during 1892.
Cereals.—Owing to a scanty rainfall the harvest was very poor and
yielded barely sufficient for local requirements. Export therefore was im.
possible, and at tlie end of the year prices were so high that several cargoes
of barley and wheat had to be imported from Bussorah and India. The little
that was exported at the commencement of the year belonged to the previous
year’s stocks. It is said that much of the dissatisfaction that prevailed among
the inhabitants last year was engendered by dearth and the general depression
in trade.
Colton.—Owing to the dulness in foreign markets, a limited area was
cultivated, and what little was grown was partly destroyed by locusts. When
therefore a demand arose in the English markets owing to the failure of the
American cotton crop, Persia was only able to dispose of its old stocks.
Persian cotton is shipped to Bombay, where it is used for mixing wifH other
kinds. Direct trade with Europe is hardly ever remunerative. The business
in this article was solely confined to the Persians. A smaller quantity than
usual was planted in the south of Persia and exports were on a reduced scale.
Gum.—Exports of this article to India and London increased in 1892.
There was a good demand the whole season. The export is chiefly to India,
whence it is said to he re-exported to Europe.
Opium.—This article, in which every well-to-do Persian merchant likes
to invest a good part of his capital, was not in great demand in Burope or in
China, and prices obtained in Hong-Kong and London were low. At the end
°f the year higher quotations were telegraphed from China and some good
business was done by holders of stock, but prices have again come down to
tbeir former level and business is now dulL
Shells,.—A large quantity of shells wa9 gathered along the Persian Coast,.
ut u ere much inferior to the ordinary sorts usually sent.
Tobacco.—As mentioned in the Report for last year the Imperial Tobacco
Corporation of Persia has had to stop its operations. But as this Corporation