Chennai Leather Market - December 2017

                                              CHENNAI LEATHER MARKET

V M Khaleelur Rahman

Activities in the Chennai leather market are almost normal and the routine business in tanned goat skins particularly in higher selections and better lining selection are going on. While 3/5 sq. ft. Run is sold at around Rs.80, 5/7 sq. ft. A lining is sold at around Rs.45 per sq. ft.

There seems to be some increased demand for Rejection and Langda at around Rs.15 per sq. ft. and Rs.120 per kg respectively. Customers from Agra, Kanpur and Mumbai bought these items recently.

 Cow and buffalo leathers, pull outs in multi-colours, were sold in small quantities, at prices ranging from Rs.25 to 30 per sq. ft. Some better selections fetched higher prices.

It is reported that North Indian product manufacturers bought cow and goat upper and lining leathers at different prices as per quality and grade.

The present day show of the leather industry in Tamil Nadu is mainly because of big shoe factories situated in places like Ambur.  The shoe manufacturers have been successful in keeping their units functioning well and getting export contracts from overseas customers with their best efforts as otherwise the condition of the industry would have been worse and thousands of employees would have been out of jobs.

Export Business

As regards export business, it is said that some big exporters have fetched good orders in goat upper and lining leathers recently at around prices US$ 2.30 and 1.70 per sq. ft. respectively. However the hard fact is that leather exporters are struggling to survive in the export business as getting orders has become a Himalayan task mainly because of heavy competitions from exporters of our neighbouring countries like China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Tanners’ Quotations are as follows:

E.I. Tanned Goat Skins

Grain selection : 5/7 sq. ft. Run Rs.90 V Rs.70, IF Rs.60 and LIF Rs.50

Suede selection:  4/6 sq. ft. Rs.46

Lining selection: 4/6 sq. ft. Rs.44, 5/7 sq. ft. Rs.48 and 5/7 A grade lining Rs.52

Mesh selection: 5/8 sq. ft. Rs.32 per sq. ft.

Prices of raw goat and sheep skins continue to be erratic in raw skin centres throughout the country. There are no takers for lower selections at any price.

Quotations of Exporters are as follows:

                 

                     S/C OR F/C GOAT LEATHERS

Material	Size/sq. ft.	Substance	Selection	Price US$ per sq. ft. C&F
Goat upper leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	ABC/DE	2.15/1.65
Goat milled leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1 TR-2	1.75 1.60
Goat suede leather	4/7 5/8	0.6/0.8 mm 0.6/0.8 mm	All Suede	1.90 2.00
Goat lining leather	4/7	0.5/0.7 mm	TR-1 TR-2 TR-3	1.70 1.60 1.50
	6/9	0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1	1.80

                        F/C SHEEP LEATHERS

Material	Size/sq. ft.	Substance	Selection	Price US$ per sq. ft. C&F
Sheep Cabretta leather	4/6	0.6/0.8 mm	ABC	2.00
Sheep Cabretta leather	6/8	0.8/1.00 mm	ABC	2.20
Sheep lining leather	4/7 5/8	0.5/0.7 mm 0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1 TR-1	1.65 1.75

4/6 sq. ft. All Suede JY 190, LIF Suede JY 160 and 

Rejection Suede JY 110

6/9 sq. ft. All Suede JY 210, LIF Suede JY 175 and 

Rejection Suede JY 120

(Writer’s e-mail id: vmk1234@yahoo.com)

Alas Former Advocate General Habeebullah Badsha is no more

Photo from V. M. Khaleelur Raman

Sent from my HTC

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR HAJ 1439 (H) - 2018 (CE)

Chennai Leather Market - November 2017

CHENNAI LEATHER MARKET

V. M. Khaleelur Rahman

Leather market is yet to recover from its slow tendency. While some shoe manufacturers show interest for higher selections of tanned goat skins such as 3/5 sq. ft. Run, Fifth and Inferior fifth at around the combined price of Rs.80 per sq. ft., some leather exporters buy small quantities in 5/7 sq. ft. Lining at around Rs.45 per sq. ft.

Calcutta and Agra customers are expected to resume purchases. Some business has already taken place in goat shoe upper and lining leathers at different prices depending on quality and selection. There is also some demand for local items such as Rejection and Langda at around Rs.12 and Rs.9 per sq. ft. respectively which tanners consider as very low.

Export Business

As far as export business is concerned, there is good demand for best qualities of buffalo and cow calf upper leathers produced mainly in Ranipet. Some shoe manufacturers abroad regularly buy this item.

In goat upper and lining leathers overseas business seems to be little and prices obtainable for them are at around US $ 2.20 and 1.70 per sq. ft. respectively in good marks. There was also a report of goat milled leathers being sold at around US$ 1.80 per sq. ft. Tanners and exporters are of the opinion that market may revive slowly and the bad days will vanish.

Quotations are as follows:

E.I. Tanned Goat Skins

Grain selection : 5/7 sq. ft. Run/V Rs.90, V Rs.70, IF Rs.60 and LIF Rs.50

Suede selection: 5/7 sq. ft. Rs.43 and 4/6 sq. ft. Rs.39

Lining selection: 5/7 sq. ft. Rs.40 and 4/6 sq. ft. Rs.35

Mesh selection: 5/8 sq. ft. Rs.30,

all prices per sq.ft. 

Prices of raw goat and sheep skins are erratic in raw skin centres throughout the country. There are no takers for lower selections.

Quotations of Exporters:

4/6 sq. ft. All Suede JY 190, LIF Suede JY 160, Rejection Suede JY 110

6/9 sq. ft. All Suede JY 210, LIF Suede JY 175, Rejection Suede JY 120 per sq.ft.

                            S/C OR F/C GOAT LEATHERS

Material	Size/sq. ft.	Substance	Selection	Price US$ per sq. ft. C&F
Goat upper leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	ABC/DE	2.10/1.60
Goat milled leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1	1.70
Goat suede leather	4/7 5/8	0.6/0.8 mm 0.6/0.8 mm	All Suede	1.90 2.00
Goat lining leather	4/7	0.5/0.7 mm	TR-1	1.60
	6/9	0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1	1.70

                        F/C SHEEP LEATHERS

Material	Size/sq.ft.	Substance	Selection	Price US$ per sq. ft. C&F
Sheep Cabretta leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	ABC	1.90
Sheep Cabretta leather	6/9	0.8/1.00 mm	ABC	2.00
Sheep lining leather	4/7 5/8	0.5/0.7 mm 0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1 TR-1	1.55 1.65

TECH & TRENDS 2018

There is much talk and enthusiasm in the leather industry about the Tech & Trends 2018 programme to be held at Ambur Trade Centre on 14^th and 15^th November 2017 by Chennai Institute of Leather Technology Alumni Association (CILTAA), a connecting body of more than 400 technologists creating leathers, with the support of various trade bodies, in order to “make a quick update on gearing up for 2017-18”. It is hoped that this event will enable leather manufacturers to find new technology to create different kinds of high quality leathers and shoes to attract foreign customers. It will provide an opportunity for interaction with innovative chemical manufacturers and suppliers.

(Writer’s e-mail id: vmk1234@yahoo.com)

HEART-FELT CONDOLENCES ON THE DEMISE OF DR S K KHADRI SAHIB, CHENNAI

On Wed, Sep 6, 2017 at 2:50 PM, Syed Masood Hassan,hmasood1998@gmail.com,wrote:

Dr. Sahib's contributions for Muslim Ummah, can't be so easily forgotten. Even though he is physically dead but his contributions would be alive for long time. All philanthropic activities initiated by him since the past 65 years will continue for generations after generations, Insha Allah. About 2/3rd of his invaluable life-time, he donated for Muslim Ummah. Thousands and Thousands of poor got chance to get education from Murthuzaviya school because of Dr Sahib.

I feel proud to say, I am also an alumni of Murthuzaviya Oriental High School, Chennai.

I do not find enough appropriate words to describe Dr Sahib's contributions for uplifting of poorest of the poor from Muslim community. 

May ALLAH make his grave, a cradle of Jannah, a beautiful resting place. May Allah make his stay inside Qabr, comfortable. Allah will definitely grant him special status because of his special contributions. 

Chennai Leather Market - September 2017

Chennai Leather Market

V. M. Khaleelur Rahman

Activities in the Chennai leather market continue to be slow and tanners are in a tight corner not knowing how to continue their business. Big exporters of leather and leather products are interested only in higher grades of tanned goat skins such as 5/7 sq. ft. Run, Fifth and Inferior Fifth at around Rs.90, 70 and 60 per sq. ft. respectively and not in lower selections. Tanners consider these prices highly unworkable.

There is some demand for tanned goat lining leathers at around the following prices:

Better lining 5/7 sq. ft. Rs.50 and 4/6 sq. ft. Rs.42 per sq. ft. respectively.

But quantities sold are limited. Big orders are not coming at all.

As far as Rejection and Langda are concerned, there are no takers. The prices sometimes available for these items, Rs.14 and Rs.8 per sq. ft. respectively, are ridiculously low. Tanners say in selling these items they are not getting even tanning charges.

Sheep tanners are also finding it difficult to sell their goods.

Almost all tanners are having huge stocks and trying their best to clear them as soon as possible as they are hard pressed for money.

The Indian economy has lost steam in the April-June quarter slowing to a three- year low and the slowdown was most steep in manufacturing, construction and mining sectors according to reports recently published in the media. While the demonetisation has not brought the desired results, the GST has slowed down business. It is expected that proper remedial measures will be taken by the government to set things right. Hon’ble Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley has assured that he would take steps to boost growth.

Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed, President of the All India Skin and Hide Tanners and Merchants Association, Chennai has appealed to the government for 5% GST rate across the range of leather products as has been done for textiles as it is also labour-intensive.

Quotations are as follows:

E.I. Tanned Goat Skins

Grain selection : 5/7 sq. ft. Run/V Rs.95, V Rs.75, IF Rs.65 and LIF Rs.55

Suede selection: 5/7 sq. ft. Rs.45 and 4/6 sq. ft. Rs.42

Lining selection: 5/7 sq. ft. Rs.42 and 4/6 sq. ft. Rs.37

Mesh selection: 5/8 sq. ft. Rs.32, all prices per sq.ft. 

Prices of raw goat and sheep skins are erratic not only in India but everywhere in the world. Perhaps so is the case of cow and buffalo hides.

It is learnt that there is a severe cash crunch in the market. Payments are delayed beyond imagination.

Overseas Orders

As far as export business is concerned, it is very slow as last month as customers are on holidays and market continues to be dull due to various reasons. Japanese buyers are also almost quiet. However shoe manufacturers are somehow managing to keep their factories running despite difficulties. It remains to be seen how things take shape in the coming days.

Quotations of Exporters are as follows:

4/6 sq. ft. All Suede JY 190, LIF Suede JY 160, Rejection Suede JY 110

6/9 sq. ft. All Suede JY 210, LIF Suede JY 175, Rejection Suede JY 120

S/C OR F/C GOAT LEATHERS

Material	Size/sq. ft.	Substance	Selection	Price US$ per sq. ft. C&F
Goat upper leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	ABC/DE	2.20/1.70
Goat milled leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1	1.75
Goat suede leather	4/7 5/8	0.6/0.8 mm 0.6/0.8 mm	All Suede	1.95 2.05
Goat lining leather	4/7	0.5/0.7 mm	TR-1	1.60
	6/9	0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1	1.70

F/C SHEEP LEATHERS

Material	Size/sq.ft.	Substance	Selection	Price US$ per sq. ft. C&F
Sheep Cabretta leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	ABC	1.95
Sheep Cabretta leather	6/9	0.8/1.00 mm	ABC	2.05
Sheep lining leather	4/7 5/8	0.5/0.7 mm 0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1 TR-1	1.60 1.70

 (Writer’s e-mail id: vmk1234@yahoo.com)

Alas Freedom Fighter, Scholar Shaikh Zaheeruddin ssheb no more

*Shaikh Zaheeruddin Rehmani, The Old Freedom Fighter & A Renowned Scholar of Islam Passes Away  On The Eve Of The Independence Day In India.* 

Shaikh Zaheeruddin Rehmani (may Allah's mercy be on him) passes away yesterday - 14th August 2017, on the eve of the Independence Day in India. He is getting buried today on the 15th August - Independence Day. He was over 100 years of age while breathing his last breath. 

Many don't know about him. Here is a story of an interesting man who lived courageously to make his life a source of goodness to the people of India. 

He was a freedom fighter who took part in the Indian Freedom Struggle against the British Raj. He was even punished and shackled by the Britishers during that period, so much so that his back was severed due to extreme pain and stress. He was also one of the highest honoured scholars of India who was termed as the Muhaddith and Shaikhul Islam by many scholars of our times. Shaikh lived in Omarabad, Tamilnadu, who used to teach the scholars and give ijazah- certification for the students on Kutubu Sittah - the Six Hadeeth Books of Ahaadeeth (the Traditions of the Prophet - peace be upon him). People from across the world used to learn under this scholar, and get benefitted out of his knowledge. 

One of the rarest information that you know about him will be shared by me here In'shaa'Allah. The Shaikh was not only a freedom fighter, but was also among those scholars who chose to live in India even after the partition of India. Shaikh Zaheeruddin was the one who hoisted the Indian Flag high during the Independence Day Commemoration at the Jamia Daarus Salam, Omarabad, Tamilnadu. The Shaikh used to be the one who lived to promote peace and harmony in this land, and he is now getting buried on the very day that he used to hoist the Indian Flag since many years. 

Yes, for today's youngsters it may be just another day. But for the Shaikh who fought against the British, for you and I to live with freedom, this day is a day that brings memories of their sacrifices to see smiles in the faces of the Indians today. 

When I shared the news of the demise of this great scholar to the Guests of Honour Sri G.B. Athri (Retired Wing Commander, Indian Air Force) and Sri Mahendra Kumar (Ex Convenor, Bajrang Dal & RSS Activist) this morning at our school AL BASHEER, they were overwhelmed by this man's life, so much so that Sri Athri even took his name during his lecture and offered a salute to Shaikh Zaheeruddin rahimahUllah - may Allah's mercy be on him. Such is the people of substance who get honoured by those who appreciate goodness in people. 

Honour the man for his knowledge. And honour the man for his service to society. May Allah forgive the shortcomings of the Shaikh, and may HE admit him in Jannatul Firdouse. 

Writer 

Umar Shariff 

President, DIET 

www.discoverislam.co.in 

_(Note: All information shared in this article are the outcome of discussion with the scholars who studied in Omarabad, who have spent time with Shaikh Zaheeruddin.)_

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Chennai Leather Market - August 2017

CHENNAI LEATHER MARKET

V. M. Khaleelur Rahman

Activities in the Chennai leather market are very slow which cannot be properly described in words.  Some of my tanner friends said that they were not able to sell anything since more than a month. The newly introduced GST (Goods and Services Tax) is also responsible for the present inactivity in the market. A lot of confusion is prevailing in the market. Taking this into consideration the Council for Leather Exports has decided to organise awareness seminars on GST “all over India” to apprise and educate the members about it in detail. Chartered Accountants and Financial Analysts are to make presentations during the seminars and clarify doubts of members about GST.

GST has five rates of taxes for Goods and Services. They are subject to Nil, 5%, 12%, 18% or 28% depending on the type of goods or services. Recently, gold and raw uncut diamonds have been classified under 3% and 0.25% GST. Export of goods and services are classified as ‘Zero Rated’.

	GST rates
Raw and Tanned Hides and Skins	5%
Finished Leather	12%
Leather Goods and Garments	28%
Footwear up to Retail Selling Price Rs.500 per piece	5%
Other Footwear and Components	18%
Wattle Extract, Quebracho Extract	5%
Other tanning Chemicals	18%,28%
Finishers, Polishes etc	28%
Job Work charges for processing of leather	5%
Other Job Work charges	18%
Effluent Treatment charges	18%

The above rates indicate the total of CGST and SGST rates. The division of the rates would be equal.

As stated above the Chennai leather market is very dull. However some tanners have sold their E.I. Tanned Goat Skins, Better Lining 5/7 sq. ft. at around Rs.52 and 4/6 sq. ft. at around 42 per sq. ft. Many tanners are having huge quantities of this item unsold as exporters of leather and leather products are not in the market for purchases.

Quotations of tanners are as follows:

E.I. Tanned Goat Skins

Grain selection: 5/8 sq. ft. Run/V Rs.90/95, V Rs.70/75, IF Rs.60/65, LIF Rs.50/55

Suede Selection: 5/8 sq. ft. Rs.45/46, 4/6 sq. ft. Rs.40/42

Lining Selection: 5/8 sq. ft. Rs.40/42, 4/6 sq. ft. Rs.36/37

Better Mesh: 5/8 sq. ft. Rs.30/32

Rejection Rs.14/16, Langda Rs.7/8 (All prices are per sq.ft.)

As far as raw goat skins are concerned, ruling prices are at around the following prices:

Miraj Rs.200, Ahmednagar Rs.150, Cadappa Rs.100, Hyderabad Rs.70 per piece

EXPORT CONTRACTS

As regards export orders for leather, there is no report of any fresh big contract. Some patchy business may have taken place. Generally speaking overseas customers are almost keeping quiet abroad due to holidays and other reasons. Leather exporters are endeavouring their best to have orders from as many sources as possible. The hard fact is that leather industry is passing through a very difficult period perhaps never witnessed before.

OFFERS OF EXPORTERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

4/6 sq. ft. All Suede JY 195, LIF Suede JY 165, Rejection Suede JY 110

6/9 sq. ft. All Suede JY 210, LIF Suede JY 175, Rejection Suede JY 125

S/C OR F/C GOAT LEATHERS

Material	Size/sq. ft.	Substance	Selection	Price US$ per sq. ft. C&F
Goat upper leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	ABC/DE	2.25/1.75
Goat milled leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1	1.75
Goat suede leather	4/7 5/8	0.6/0.8 mm 0.6/0.8 mm	All Suede	2.00 2.10
Goat lining leather	4/7	0.5/0.7 mm	TR-1	1.70
	6/9	0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1	1.80

F/C SHEEP LEATHERS

Material	Size/sq.ft.	Substance	Selection	Price US$ per sq. ft. C&F
Sheep Cabretta leather	4/7	0.6/0.8 mm	ABC	1.95
Sheep Cabretta leather	6/9	0.8/1.00 mm	ABC	2.05
Sheep lining leather	4/7 5/9	0.5/0.7 mm 0.6/0.8 mm	TR-1 TR-1	1.60 1.70

Exporters say that the government should come out with sufficient incentives to boost our growth and exports which have come down considerably.  

(Writer's e-mail id: vmk1234@yahoo.com)

DR. APJ Abdul Kalam - Remembering him on his 2nd death anniversary on 27th July 2017

The following is the speech delivered by V. M. Khaleelur Rahman at the condolence meeting organised by Ambur Muslim Educational Society at Ambur Trade Centre on 10th August 2015:

In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a great scientist and spiritual technocrat par excellence. We all know his contribution to the country is immense. He was a great person comparable with none. He was the people’s President when he was in office and even afterwards.

What was the secret of his popularity? 

When you speak, speak the truth, perform when you promise, discharge your trust…withhold your hands from striking and from taking that which is unlawful and bad…

Gladden the heart of a human being, feed the hungry, help the afflicted, lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful…….

Dr. Kalam practised the above noble principles of the Prophet (sal-am) in his life and became the darling of the masses.

He strongly believed that all God’s creatures are His family and he is the most beloved of God who tries to do most good to God’s creatures….

His advice to students was:

Dream, Dream, Dream,

Dreams transform into thoughts,

And thoughts result in action.

When Dr. Kalam talked of dreaming, he meant that youngsters should set themselves a goal. He believed that if one firmly believes in something and makes efforts in a focused way, then one can realize his dreams. “Dreams……….is not what we see in sleep but it is the thing which does not let us sleep”. In other words Dr. Kalam wished that youngsters should aim big and work for the country’s transformation.

Why was he so popular with the children? It is because unlike other VIPs he was accessible and made the children feel important. He was never in a hurry to finish the meeting and run away. He encouraged children to ask questions and patiently answered them.

We must be proud that we had Dr. Kalam in our midst in Ambur itself. A delegation led by Mecca Rafeeque Ahmed saheb met Dr. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi when he was the President and invited him to inaugurate the Centenary celebrations of Ambur Muslim Educational Society. He magnanimously accepted it, came to Ambur and inaugurated it on 4th September 2006. That day is green in our memory. The whole of Ambur wore a festive look and the people were so excited and happy.

Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam’s inaugural address impressed everyone. His question-answer session with children was thought provoking and full of encouragement to students. He was determined to mould the minds of the students to work hard to make India a developed nation by 2020.

He strongly believed that it is education which can change ones destiny for the better and make our country a progressive and prosperous one. He considered teaching as the noblest profession.

He was a scientist and a devout Muslim. He was pious in the real sense and got inspiration from the holy Quran. It is said that he never missed his fajr namaz.

Dr. Abdul Kalam will always be remembered for his role as an excellent scientist, as a people’s president, as a good writer and orator and most importantly as a humble and genuine human being.

It is heartening to know that the AMES is thinking of starting a Centre by name Dr. Kalam Vision Foundation in his memory to encourage students to emulate his example and come up in life with flying colours.

Dr. Kalam is not with us now but his shining example will always influence us.

Thank you,

No Ban on Rs.2,000 Notes, says Haj Committee of India

NO BAN ON RS.2,000 NOTES, SAYS HAJ COMMITTEE OF INDIA

[The annual ritual is held every year to commemorate the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim, his noble wife Hager and their noble son Prophet Ismael. (File photo)]

Mumbai: The Haj Committee of India Thursday rejected as fake the news which appeared in a section of the media and later went viral on social networking sites claiming that it has advised the Haj Pilgrims not to carry Rs.2000 currency notes as the newly denominated notes are banned by the Saudi government.

"The news circulating in the media regarding the ban on Rs.2000 notes is fake, not true", a Haj Committee of India official said while talking to ummid.com.

"The Haj Committee of India issues notifications and written guidelines for every big and small thing concerning the pilgrims on Haj. They include flight status, health warnings, maximum allowable baggage, how the pilgrims could get Qurbani (Adahi) coupons and other related matters.

"We would have issued a written warning if there was indeed any issue with the Rs.2000 currency notes", he said.

"There is no reason for the pilgrims to get panicked as the news circulating in the media is not true", he reiterated.

The news that the Haj Committee of India has advised all officials in the states to inform pilgrims not to carry Rs.2000 currency notes first appeared in a leading English daily. It was later also flashed by some television channels.

It is reported that Saudi officials have decided not to accept new currency notes of Rs.2000 since there were rumours that fake currency is in circulation.

About 170,000 Haj pilgrims from India will go to Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj expected to be held in first week of September.

As per the Foreign Exchange Rules, every Haj pilgrim is entitled to carry Rs.25000 Indian currency or $10000 with them.

The annual ritual is held every year to commemorate the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim, his noble wife Hager and their noble son Prophet Ismael. Hajj also coincides with Eid al Adha - celebrated by Muslims across the world.

(Courtesy: www.ummid.com)