Page 576 - PERSIAN 2C 1890_1899_Neat

06 ADMINISTRATION REPORT ON THE PERSIAN GULP POLITOBAL

Part V.—REPORT ON THE TRADE OF MOHAMMEfcAH AND THE
KARUN RIVER FOR THE TEAR 1807,
General. Agriculture,
Ki porta. M i*oell«neous.
Import*, Bonder NurL
Shipping. SUtUtae.
General.
There has been a general decrease in trade owing to faifae of the wheat
crop and in a less degree to disturbances and insecurity of rotates in the upper
part of the province.
There is a growing tendency to an increase of trade direct with Europe as
against India; this is due to the principal articles of export being bought by
European firms aud partially to the growing scarcity of rupees which were
formerly remitted as specie by small retail dealers 3n payment of imports.
Exchange.—Exchange averaged 52 krans to the pound sterling.

Exports.
tVheat.—The wheat exported was the balance of the $SS5 crop.
Flour and rice.—There was a demand for flour and ms® for the Persian
Gulf ports, but after the 7th May a general prohibition on *tibe. export of food­
stuffs was enforced, which further prevented any purchases cl beans being made
for export.
Oum.—The supply of gum was unusually small.
Specie.—The export of specie to India was much reduced owing to scarcity
of rupees.
Imports.
Sugar.—There was again an increase in the import beet sugar which
appears to be entirely replacing cane sugar, though principally French, some
German and one consignment of Egyptian sugar were reported.
Cotton goods.—The trade in cotton goods at Moh&Hjmasih is now almost
entirely in the hands of one native firm, importing diredt from Manchester.
European firms are unable to compete with natives for locsll sale on their own
account, as Europeans pay an ad valorem duty once and-finr all, whereas natives
pay ad capitum dues at every custom house.
The principal demand is for the following—
Grey shirtings, 81b and 91b.
Prints, soft finish.
Tan jibs.
Printed jaconets.
Lappets.
Imitation Turkey red.
Imitation Syrian hand-made goods.
The last mentioned, made in Manchester, is superseding the hand-made
goods—formerly imported from Turkish Arabia—and a quantity of this imitation
was re-exported to Basrah.
The cotton goods imported from India are principallyManchester make.
Wheat.—Wheat was imported at the end of the yeaar owing to failure of
crops.
Shipping.
Sea.—Nine steamers from Europe and eight forJEtanspe called, principally
of the Anglo-Arabian Steam Navigation Co. The ©ritaalL India, and Bombay
and Persia Companies' steamers called .rqgriiarly.