Chapter XI. COMMERCE. Notwithstanding the natural difficulties of insufficient means of transportation, the commerce of Nicaragua is steadily increasing. This is due in part to the extension of its fruit trade, which is principally transacted on the Caribbean coast, and in part to the growth of the coffee shipments, made chiefly from Pacific ports. The following table shows approximately the increase of the trade between Nicaragua and the United States. Such statistics are to be considered with a knowledge of the fact that the imports are stated in Nicaraguan currency, while the exports are calculated in that of the United States. Notice must also be taken of the further fact of possible undervaluations on goods upon which import duties are collected. Imports into United States from Nicaragua... $1, 496, 171 927, 022 Balance against United States.... 569, 149 737,559 282, 671 In so far as these figures show a steady increase in the trade between the two countries, they will be accepted as gratifying evidence of progress in that direction. Those, however, who see in them an advantage to the United States because of a diminution of the "balance of trade" against this country will be forced few years and it is believed that exportations of this produ continue to increase. The following table shows the amount of coffee export Nicaragua to the United States within the past ten years Inasmuch as the price of coffee has increased, it will b stood that this industry is an important factor in the prospe wealth of the country. The following table shows the total foreign commerce ragua, including exports and imports, for the periods state Here, again, it must be noted that the imports are stated raguan currency, while the exports are calculated on the gold basis of Europe and the United States. The largest importers of Nicaragua's products are the United States, Germany, France, and England, in the order named, but the purchases of Nicaragua from foreign countries change this order. England stands first, followed by the United States, France, and Germany. The imports from the United States, however, are increasing so rapidly that England may not long continue to head the list. The exports of Nicaragua for the two years ending June 30, 1890, comprise the following articles: Señor Gamez, in his Noticias, approved by the Government, and therefore of an official character, says: In 1858, when the social and political reorganization of the country was accomplished, the total imports into Nicaragua amounted to $362,306. Subsequent to that date a steady increase, each year larger, has taken place. In 1890 (the last year upon which the writer had official information) the total imports into Nicaragua represented the sum of $4,268,405.27. The exports in the same year were $3,833,614.28. The imports into Nicaragua in 1890, classified by countries, were: T It appears from the above that the nation which imported Nicarag chandise in larger quantity than all others was the United States. Germany, France, and England. England, however, sent more goods ragua than the United States, and the United States more than Fr France more than Germany. The principal products capable of being exported from Nicaragua up to this date coffee, India rubber, dyewoods, hides, and gold in bul The principal articles of importation into Nicaragua ar Oils, vegetable, animal, and mineral; spirits; cotton, raw and manu firearms; boots and shoes; carriages; waterproof cloaks; white canned eatables of all kinds; glassware; drugs and medicines; mi all kinds of parlor ornaments; stearic candles; matches; flour; iro and plates; machetes, clubs, hoes, and all kinds of agricultural im household articles; soap; wool, raw and manufactured; silk, raw a factured; linen, raw and manufactured; machinery; engines and ma railroads, steamboats, and mining and agricultural enterprises; pipe dashery; toys; silver coins; wooden house furniture; school furn kinds of paper; perfumery; pianos and musical instruments; tann paints and varnishes; watches, clocks, and jewelry; small metal war bags; all kinds of hats; all kinds of wines; books; lamps; fancy art No consular certification of invoices is required by Ni Invoices must be made out in triplicate, and valuation and duties are adjusted in the custom-house of the port of deba Duties are levied on all goods according to weight. The commercial interests of Nicaragua are so closely i with the question of transportation that it is impossible to t one subject without some reference to the other. The few y |