In common with other articles of Chinese produce there is a distinct absence of exports of Chinese tobacco during the present season, these being confined to the smallest possible dimensions, in strong contrast to the years when they were very heavy. Inauiry tends to the conclusion that this position is not so abnormal as in the case of other articles of Chinese produce, and this notwithstanding the fact that a shortage of tobacco exists in the world. The salient fact is that Chinese tobacco is as yet of so inferior a grade that only an exceptional scarcity brings it into general consumption in the world's markets.
With the closing of the greater part of Asia Minor to the world's markets the shortage of tobacco became very pronounced during the war. The scarcity of the particular leaf required for the production of Turkish and other high-grade cigarettes was most pronounced, and accordingly manufacturers had recourse to the Far East. Korean tobacco especially came into use for Turkish and. similar brands, as it has an Oriental flavour which made the most effective substitute for the real article, but Japanese and Chinese varieties were also employed. An extensive export trade thus grew up in this produce. To-day, however, this is no longer the case, not merely because of the general dislocation of China's export trade, but even more so because of the inferior quality of the article.
Lrseration oF Asta Mrvor.
One reason especially may be assigned for the sudden falling off of tobacco exports. The armistice liberated large stocks of tobacco which had been accumulating in Asia Minor during the war, and this assisted materially in relieve ing the world scarcity. To-day when the tobacco-growing industry is in full swing the scarcity is no longer so acute, the Chinese' article is out of favour and only the suiallest quantities are exported. The reason for the world shortage is to be found in the increase of cigarette smoking in Europe and America. The American figures show a rise of from 18 odd billions to 42 billions between 1918 and 1919, and the increase in England and France is equally striking. This is supposed to be largely due to the fact that women are smoking a great deal more than previously, but a small proportion of the increase may be found in the fact that the pipe-smoking fraternity is diminishing.
Germany took considerable quantities of tobacco from London during the past year, in spite of the fact that Three Castles cigarettes were selling in Berlin for a mark apiece. As a matter of fact through the dislocation of their currencies Germany and the rest of Central Europe are unable to buy their normal quantities of tobacco, otherwise it is possible that the shortage would be so pronounced that there would be a greater chance for the Chinese article.
In the meantime, it is believed, a slow but appreciable improvement is taking place in Chinese tobacco, land granted steady progress along these lines increasing exports may be looked for during coming years, The
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.