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China Bound: John Swire & Sons and Their World, 1816-1980

Michael Chabon

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Published in China Bound: John Swire Sons And Its World 1816 1980

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John Swire & Sons was a British trading company that played a major role in the development of China and Hong Kong. The company was founded in Liverpool in 1816 by John Swire, a Scottish merchant. Swire initially traded in cotton and other goods between Britain and the United States. In the 1840s, the company expanded its operations to China, where it became involved in the tea trade.

China Bound: John Swire & Sons and Its World, 1816 – 1980

by Robert Bickers

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In the mid-1800s, John Swire & Sons became one of the largest tea traders in the world. The company also played a major role in the development of Hong Kong, which became a major British trading port. In the early 1900s, the company diversified its operations into other industries, including shipping, finance, and property development.

John Swire & Sons remained a major force in the China and Hong Kong economies until the mid-1900s, when the company began to withdraw from its operations in China. The company's last major investment in China was the construction of the Swire Pacific Tower in Hong Kong in 1992.

John Swire & Sons is still a major player in the Asia Pacific region, with operations in a wide range of industries, including shipping, aviation, property development, and hospitality. The company is headquartered in London, and it has offices in over 40 countries around the world.

The Early Years

John Swire was born in Greenock, Scotland, in 1772. He was the son of a shipmaster, and he went to sea at an early age. In 1797, Swire settled in Liverpool, where he became a merchant. He initially traded in cotton and other goods between Britain and the United States.

In the 1840s, the British government began to open up China to foreign trade. Swire was one of the first British merchants to take advantage of this opportunity. In 1845, he established a trading post in Shanghai. The post was initially successful, and Swire quickly became one of the leading tea traders in China.

In 1861, Swire's son, John Swire Jr., joined the company. John Swire Jr. was a talented businessman, and he quickly expanded the company's operations in China. He also played a major role in the development of Hong Kong, which became a major British trading port.

The Rise of John Swire & Sons

In the late 1800s, John Swire & Sons became one of the largest tea traders in the world. The company also played a major role in the development of other industries in China, including shipping, finance, and property development.

In the early 1900s, the company began to diversify its operations into other industries. In 1904, the company acquired the Taikoo Sugar Refinery in Hong Kong. The refinery was one of the largest sugar refineries in Asia, and it became a major source of income for the company.

In 1912, the company acquired the Hongkong Electric Company. The company was the sole supplier of electricity to Hong Kong, and it became another major source of income for the company.

In 1914, the company acquired the Swire Shipping Company. The company operated a fleet of ships that transported goods between China and other countries. The shipping company became a major part of the company's operations, and it helped to make John Swire & Sons one of the leading trading companies in the world.

The 20th Century

John Swire & Sons remained a major force in the China and Hong Kong economies until the mid-1900s. In the 1950s, the company began to withdraw from its operations in China. The company's last major investment in China was the construction of the Swire Pacific Tower in Hong Kong in 1992.

Legacy

John Swire & Sons played a major role in the development of China and Hong Kong. The company was one of the first British companies to establish a presence in China, and it played a major role in the development of the tea trade. The company also played a major role in the development of Hong Kong, which became a major British trading port.

John Swire & Sons remains a major player in the Asia Pacific region, and its legacy continues to this day. The company's operations in a wide range of industries have helped to shape the economy of the region, and its commitment to social responsibility has made a positive impact on the lives of many people.