The market generally for piece goods has been satisfactory. The news of the drop in exchange becoming known throughout the country has had the effect of improving prices, while an increased demand from Northern ports has had an influence also in the direction of increasing local values. Activity in clearances has been general, one feature being the heavy shipments to Newchwang. Resales have also taken place at improved prices throughout the week. The Sze: chuan market has bought some 7,000 bales local and Indian spianings, thereby adding still further tone to the market, for the Szechuan dealers' purchasing activities generally move round in one cycle of commodities, namely, yarn, plain staple goods, and dye and fancies, each of which is likely to have its turn for that outlet in the near future.
Home manufacturers are still talking up prices and deliveries bravely, but there are some slightly softer indications here and there.
A little business has been done privately, but mostly with old chops. In this connexion it is more a case of keeping things going rather than attempting to do a big business.
As regards future prospects it seems likely that if exchange remains at all steady at the present figure we shall see higher prices by reason of the higher cost of replacing.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.