'File 35/87 VI A. 38 Muscat reforms, customs, finances' [‎69r] (145/440)

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Trade statis^iog> « I have only seen figures for Muscat and
Matrali which for purposes of trade statistics have "been ta^kren
together# I have made a comparative statement of the trade of
these ports for the seven years ending 31st March 19^4 show
ing therein the values in £ sterling (£1-Rs• 1^) o: p imports "by
steamers and by sailing vessels. These figures show that with
the exception of 1019^0 the balance of trade (ratio of exports
to imports) has always been unfavourable* These ports,however,
send supplies to large tracts of country the produce of which
does not ap-n^ar in the export figures for Muscat and Matrah,
e«g« steamers bring supplies to Muscat which, are carried on
to Batiirah coast rorts by native craft whereas dates from
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"Patiwah are exnrted direct India etc* A considerable number of
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people from Muscat and Matrah go to Pahrein and other places
in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. for the pearl fishing season and if the
valued of "services rendered" could be added to the value of
exports the balance of trade would probably be restored*
I have plotted figures to show imports and escorts?
balance of trade and total trade at a glance*
The comparative statement also shows the values of the
staple imports and exports and the Percentage they ^opm of the
total imports and export trade respectively* The average percen
ages for the last five (post-war) years work out as followst-
Imports Exports
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nice 30
Wet and dry ^ates 68
Cotton goods 22
Coffee ^
Total 68 68
I have made a similar graph showing imports of rice com
pared with exrorts of dates* Where available the statement
shows figures for shipping ; particulars of steamers and
sailing vessels being shown separate^«