LEATHER MARKET IS ON THE MOVE

LEATHER MARKET IS ON THE MOVE

V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The leather and leather goods industry which has seen many ups and downs depending on the international trends and financial crises and which came across the impact of the sudden worldwide slowdown due to the American economic doldrums is recovering fast. There are renewed activities in leather centres like Periamet, Pallavaram, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Ranipet, Melvisharam, Erode, Dindigul etc. Many leading shoe manufacturers are in the market covering their requirements particularly in wetblue cow hides which witnessed more slowdown at recent times. There is upward tendency in the prices of wetblue hides and skins although the demand is particularly for higher grades and better qualities of these items. There is 10 to 15% increase even in prices of raw hides and skins throughout the country depending on quality, selection and pelt, according to reports reaching here.

The problem of measurement buyers face while purchasing wetblue hides and skins continues unabated. In almost all centres measurement of wetblue hides and skins is done manually and not by measuring machines. Many say with disgust that even in the present technologically advanced period, the archaic manual system is continued despite problems and protests from different buying sources. There is an urgent need to ponder over this burning issue. The associations concerned can take initiative in this regard and install measuring machines for job works wherever and in as many places as possible for smooth transactions in accordance with the need of the hour.

In the Periamet market arrivals of E.I. tanned hides and skins are restricted as many small tanners have stopped productions due to unworkable prices and uncertainty in the market. Td. goat skins, 4/7 sq.ft., Grain selections are sold at around Rs.48 to 50 per sq.ft., Garment suedes at around Rs.37 to 39 per sq.ft. and A suede, Shoe suede and Heel grip are sold at around Rs. 35, 32 and 29 per sq.ft. respectively. There is interest for Rejection items at around Rs.19 to 22 depending on the quality and selection.

Leading shoe units are going well trying to avoid layoffs as much as possible. It is well known that a sort of camaraderie is in existence between employers and employees in most of the units in leather and leather products industry in Tamil Nadu and this has given a room for smooth adjustments in pay scales etc. to the satisfaction of all concerned.

There are enquiries from the Far East as well as European countries for finished leathers for shoes such as goat glazed kid leathers, milled upper leathers, suede leathers and the prices quoted for them are at around US $ 2.00, 1.80 and 1.70 per sq.ft. C&F by sea respectively. As usual goat lining leathers are also of interest to regular customers in countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hong Kong, Singapore etc. at around prices US $ 1.00 to 1.10 depending on marks. Demand for garment leathers is limited.
Some business is also reported in sheep cabratta leathers at around US $ 2.10 and lining leathers at around US $ 1.30 per sq.ft. C&F by sea.


Visit of Indian Delegation to Iran and Turkey from 10th to 13th August, 2009

The Council for Leather Exports has done well in proposing to organise a visit by Indian Leather Delegation to Iran and Turkey from 10 to 13 August 2009 to make a survey of the existing market situation and assess the market potential for securing raw hides, skins and leather from these countries. The Council has given all the necessary information along with a Format for company profile to enable interested members to apply to the Council and join the delegation.

A leading shoe industrialist said that such delegations are necessary to refurbish the development of the leather industry.

(V.M. Khaleelur Rahman in Indian Leather, July 2009)