'File 10/4 I Trade Reports' [‎297r] (604/1102)

REPORT ON THE TRAJQE OP THE BilRAIN ISLANDS PGR THS YEAR
ENDING 31st M&ROH 1929.
INTRODUCTION .
i general description of the physical, political and
commercial peculiarities of the islands is given in the
report for the year 1911-12 (Annual Series No,5052). The
permanent population is estimated at 115,000.
TRADE.
The total value of the trade amounted to £ 3,110,341
compared with £ 3043,222 in 1927-28 showing an increase of
£ 67,119 or 2.2 per cent.
The total value of Imports amounted to £ 2,116,616 as
against £ 2,029,181 in 1927-28 showing an increase of
£ 87,435 or 4.3 per cent. The increase was chiefly in piece-
goods, tea, coffee, tohacco, spices and "building materials.
It is interesting to note that while there was a decrease 1
in the import of piece goods last year, it shows an increase
of £ 42,543 during the year under report.
It will "be seen that cotton goods valued at £ 238,140 are
shown as imported from India. This is misleading as the bulk
of the 08X9-0inroorted from the United Kingdom arrives via India
this
and consequently appears under pis heading.
PPiARL INDUSTRY .
A general description of this Industry is given in this
Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. Trade Report for the year 1927-^8.
EXPORTS .
The total value of Exports during the year amounted to ;
£ 993,725 as against £ 1,014,041 in 1927-28 showing a decrease
of £ 20,316 or 2 per cent.
The pearl trade dominated the commercial situation. The
following