ABSTRACT
At the time the British occupied Aden, its trade had dwindled into insignificance. Indeed, what commercial activity there was depended on boats which dropped anchor on their way to Mukha. Thus the ‘Abdalis were able to buy certain commodities which they badly needed. From Indian traders they bought spices, cotton cloths, and small quantities of iron, lead, and rice. Boats from the Persian Gulf landed dates, and others from the Somali country brought sheep. In return, the ‘Abdalis exported wheat, jowari (Indian millet), coffee, and small amounts of copper.
