export in 1877-8 was valued at 1,078,076 pesos, that for 1912-13 was worth 31,133,755 pesos.[1]
The value of exported sisal increased remarkably during the World War but, like the figures of international trade in many other lines, this reflected a development of exceptional character and not one that can be expected to continue in times of peace. With supplies of Manila hemp cut to a minimum by the war, Yucatan producers met an exceptional market for their product. In addition the local government set up a system of market control that forced the prices still higher. As a result sisal fiber, which sold at an average of $.055 United States gold per pound in the five years before the war, rapidly rose in nominal value reaching a peak of $.2125 United States gold per pound at one time during the conflict. Such returns are now a thing of the past. In 1921 sisal was back to its prewar price level. The market was depressed by large stocks, and a production more than sufficient for the decreased peace time demand. However, the advance that had been made in pre-war times will be maintained. It is beyond doubt that Mexico's
- ↑ Tables of the exports of henequen are found in Luis Pombo, Mexico: 1876-1892, Mexico, 1893; Matias Romero, Mexico and the United States, New York, 1898; Statistical abstract for the principal and other foreign countries, etc. . . . London, 1907 and 1912; Reports from Her Majesty's diplomatic and consular agents abroad on subjects of commercial and general interest. Commercial No. 36 (1883), Part VII, Report by Mr. Lionel E. G. Garden on the trade and commerce of Mexico, 1883; Anuario de estadistica fiscal, Mexico, 1913 and 1914; and in the Boletín de estadistica fiscal, año fiscal 1910-11, Mexico, 1912. The statistics quoted for other agricultural products in the following paragraphs are from these authorities.
