Page 153 - PERSIAN 4 1890_1899

Part IV.—TRADE.

The statistics of trade for the year under report have been furnished by the
customs farmer. As baa been frequently pointed out these statistics are only
approximate, and cannot be relied on for accuracy.
The total value of the trade for the year was $3,387,435 as compared with
$3,419,512 in the previous year, showing a*decrease of $62,077.
The imports amounted to $1,981,840, being an increase of $115,608, chief­
ly in rice, sugar, and -oils from India, and in cotton ; ghee and mother-o ’-pearl
from the Persian Gulf and Bussorab, over $1,866,232 the figures for 1891^92.
The value of the exports was $1,405,595 as compared with $1,583,280 in the
previous year, showing a falling off of $177,685. The decrease is particularly
marked under the headings,— dates, cotton fabrics, and rifles. Probably the de­
crease in the export of dates is to be attributed to the disturbances in the Sema-
il Talley owing to which the trade between Muscat and the Sharkiyyeh was at
a stand-still for some months. There was a decrease of $100,000 also under the
beading—specie.
The customs were farmed this year to Seth Damodhur Dharamsee for
$115,000.

J. HATES SADLER, Major,
Political A sent and Consul, Muscat.

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