II.

Economy

Cardiff is a seaport that relied on coal exports until the mid-20th century but has since greatly declined. Now, coal is imported rather than exported, and along with grain, timber, fruit and vegetables, motor vehicles, and steel is among the main imports. Modern cargo-handling facilities are available at the Roath and Queen Alexandra docks. Light engineering and high-tech industries are replacing heavy engineering industries. Manufactures include steel wire and ropes, glass, plastics, electronic machinery, computer parts, processed foods, textiles, and paper.

In addition there are regional and national office developments attracted by the good communications, including Cardiff-Wales International Airport at Rhoose, 20 km (12 mi) to the west. As an administrative centre, Cardiff houses the Welsh Office and the Cardiff County Offices at Atlantic Wharf, as well as the offices of the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation.