Recent Measures and Statistics.
In 1891 a protective tariff was laid by Spain on the trade of the Philippines. This diverted to the home-country most of the traffic formerly enjoyed by England and other countries. Iron goods and hardware are now furnished principally by Germany and Switzerland, but the Manchester cotton goods are supplemented by similar fabrics made in Barcelona. The imports from the United States are chiefly kerosene oil and flour.
As an indication of the growth of Philippine trade since the intrusion of foreign shippers put an end to the mediæval obstructions of Spain, some figures may be quoted:
A Village of Santa Ana
In 1841 the imports of the islands aggregated in value $3,230,000, the exports, $4,370,000. In 1885 the imports had increased to $19,171,468; the exports to $24,553,686. In 1893 the imports aggregated $25,500,000; the exports $30,000,000. These figures are estimated, however, in Mexican dollars, the currency of the islands, which is at a large discount elsewhere.
In 1895 the principal exports of the Philippines were: Hemp, $14,517,000; sugar, $10,975,000; tobacco, $3,159,000; cocoanuts, $356,000. This fell off greatly in 1896, on account of the increased scale of export duties, hemp declining to $7,500,000, and sugar to $10,975,000.
On August 21, 1897, a decree went into effect that imposed an extraordinary customs duty of 6 per cent. ad valorem on all merchandise imports, without regard to the country whence they came.
A Water-carrier and Customer.
The trade of the United States with the Philippines has been steadily on the decline within recent years. In 1888 their imports from the islands were valued at $10,268,278; in 1897, at $4,383,760. The export trade has always been insignificant, as compared with European countries. In 1889 it aggregated $165,903; in 1897 it was only $94,567. During the same period the exports of Spain to the islands increased from $890,000 to $7,972,583. These were principally cotton fabrics. The exports from the United States embraced mineral oil, bread stuffs, cotton goods, chemicals, iron and steel goods. Of the imports, the most important were Manila hemp and sugar; other imports include cigars, tobacco, woods, hides, shells, indigo, and coffee.