British Trade Abroad.

and that it was a most convenient article, until they saw one. I know many people who never imagined that a certain brand of glycerine soap of British make could remove in half a day the awful roughness of the skin on face and hands until I gave away one of my own private stock, and of this, by the way, a 6d. tablet is sold here at 1s. 8d." Mr. Moore adds that many persons in his district had no idea that soda water could be most conveniently carried within the saddle bag on a journey until they happened to see an apparatus for the aeration of liquids. (Foreign Office, Annual Series, 3,600.)

Kertch." On the subject of British goods" remarks the British Vice-Consul at Kertch (Mr. R. Michell) "there is unfortunately little to be said, goods of British make being generally conspicuous by their absence, with the exception of such articles as soap and perfumery, which reach this town in small quantities and sell fairly well.

"Certain American firms find it well worth their while to do business through travelling agents in agricultural machinery, but they find it necessary to be very careful at present in giving credit." (Foreign Office, Annual Series, 3,610.)

FOREIGN TRADE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM IN MAY, 1906.*

I.-GENERAL.

The trade returns for May, 1906, when compared with those for the corresponding month of 1905, show increases in the value of the Imports into, and also in the value of the Exports from the United Kingdom, both of British produce and of Foreign and Colonial merchandise.

The value of the Imports in May, 1906, was 51,430,457, an increase of 4,597,490l., or 9.8 per cent., as compared with May, 1905, whilst the total Exports amounted to 38,846,582, or an increase of 4,788,4561. The Exports of British produce alone show an increase of 4,477,2341., or 16.4 per cent., as compared with May, 1905, whilst there is an increase of 311,2227., or 46 per cent., in the Exports of foreign and Colonial merchandise.

II.-IMPORTS.

The following table shows the value of the Imports for May, 1906, as compared with the corresponding months of 1905 and 1904, according to the different categories of merchandise :—

Reference should be made to the article on "Changes in the Monthly Trade Accounts for 1906," published at pp. 253-5 of the "Board of Trade Journal" of 8th February, 1906, for information as to the changes which have been made in these accounts.

Foreign Trade of the United Kingdom in May, 1906.

IV.-Miscellaneous and Unclassi

fied (including Parcel Post) £ 166,155 175,703 214,027 + 38,824 + 47,872 Total value of Imports £44,780,098 46,832,967 51,430,457 + 4,597,490 +6,650,359 The values of the Imports represent the cost, insurance, and freight; or when goods are consigned for sale, the latest sale value of such goods.

Comparing the values of the imports of articles last month with those of May, 1905, the chief increases and decreases are as follows:

Foreign Trade of the United Kingdom in May, 1906.

The following instances of increase in value combined with decrease in quantity, or vice versa, may be noted, viz. :—

Seeds cotton

72,586

H.

flax or lin

Foreign Trade of the United Kingdom in May, 1906.

III.-EXPORTS.

The following table shows the value of the Exports of British produce for the month of May, 1906, as compared with the corresponding month of 1905 and 1904, and the increase or decrease in each principal category :—

Exports of British Produce.*

fied (including Parcel Post) £ 366,492 423,595 490,978 + 67,383 124,486

Total value of Exports of

British produce... £24,332,089 27,252,693 31,729,927 | +4,477,234 +7,397,838
Exports of Foreign and Colonial Produce.

The values of the Exports represent the cost and the charges of delivering the goods on board the ship, and are known as the "free on board" values.

Foreign Trade of the United Kingdom in May, 1906.

Comparing the values of the exports of the principal articles of British produce and manufacture in May, 1906, with those of May, 1905, the chief increases and decreases are as follow:

The following instances of increase in value combined with decrease in quantity, or vice versa, may be noted, viz. :

IV.-TRADE DURING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1906.

The following table shows the value of the Imports from foreign countries and British possessions during the five months ended 31st May last, as compared with the corresponding periods of the two previous years :