Danmarks Handel og Industri

XXIV shows, that in later years, a considerable development of industry has taken place, being proved by the fact that the mechanical power employed during the eight years from 1906 to 1914 has been increased from 113.000 H. P. to 230.000 H. P. The value of the industrial production — apart from the productions of handicraft — was before the War estimated at from 600 to 700 mill. Kr. yearly. And it cannot be doubted, that Danish industry possesses considerable possibilities of development, and that on account of the highly developed Danish technique, and the excellent quality, for which Danish industrial articles are justly renowned, it will gradually find qualifications for a remunerative export in many new and various fields. Export and From the foregoing it is evident, that the exportation of agricultural Import. products is the backbone of Denmark’s commercial dealings with foreign countries. Of the staple products of agriculture, butter, bacon and eggs are sold mainly to the English market, while horses, cattle and meat are transported over the boundaries southward. Also other countries, such as Switzerland and Austria however, were purchasers of the abovementioned Danish products before the War, and a quantity of butter in tins found its way to countries overseas. Moreover a series of other products, such as hides, skins, wool and different residual products are sold to various countries. Denmark has hitherto mainly paid for its import requirements with the considerable amounts, which the agricultural export represents, but in later years the Danish industrial articles already mentioned have however, in an increasing degree begun to assert themselves among the exports, even if they (or the present only represent rather modest figures. In 1913 the export value of Danish merchandise was calculated at altogether about 640 mill. Kr. of which sum over 550 mill, represented agricultural products, whilst upwards of 75 mill. Kr. originated from industrial articles, and upward of 12 mill. Kr. from fish and fish products. Owing to the character of the country, Denmark is under the necessity of obtaining a great many of its requirements from foreign countries. Roughly, half part of this import — which in 1913 increased to the value of about 780 mill. Kr., and therefore considerably exceeded the value of export — comprises goods which are used in the home production. To this belongs in the first place, the considerable quantities of foreign feeding sluffs and