Saturday, May 7, 2011

IMPORTANCE OF LEATHER FAIRS IN THE PRESENT MARKET

IMPORTANCE OF LEATHER FAIRS IN THE PRESENT MARKET


V.M. Khaleelur Rahman

CHENNAI: The APLF leather fair held in Hong Kong from 30th March to 1st April 2011 and the LINEAPELLE leather fair held from 6th to 8th April 2011 in Bologna, Italy received the best attention of exhibitors and visitors this time. It is reported that most of those who attended the fairs were serious about their “business” – the purpose for which they had gone there. It seems that the unexpected huge demand for leathers from different importing countries, limited availability of raw hides and skins and their increasing prices, customers’ stipulations for prompt execution of contracts, etc. were responsible for it. They were also seen in seminars taking keen interest and searching for new trends and innovations etc. In other words the excursion type of leather fair trips has turned out to be serious business trips.

The fairs were very useful to the participants in understanding the happenings in the world leather market, making future plans and programmes and concluding contracts. A participant pointed out, “the days of easy business are gone and we have to be more alert now”.

According to available information there was good demand for kip and calf leathers from many overseas customers and business were concluded at different prices depending on the quality and selection. While some lining items were sold at around US$1.75 some other articles meant for leather goods were sold up to US$3.00 per sq.ft. C&F. As far as goat and sheep leathers are concerned, customers showed interest for the regular items of upper and lining leathers at almost unchanged prices. Indian exporters feel that China which is the biggest market for leather and footwear is a big threat to them.

Leather exporters are reluctantly making offers even to their regular buyers due to difficulty in procuring raw skins. It is learnt that their quotations are as follows:

1. S/C goat kid suede leather for shoes, 3/5 sq.ft. per piece, 0.6/0.8 mm, ABC, US$2.10 per sq.ft. by air.

2. F/C goat milled leather, 4/7 sq.ft. per piece, 0.6/0.8 mm, ABC, US$1.95 per sq.ft. by air.

3. F/C and S/C goat lining leathers, 4/7 or 5/8 sq.ft. per piece, 0.6/0.8 mm, TR-1/2/3, US$1.30/1.20/1.10 per sq.ft. C&F by sea

4. F/C sheep suede leather, 4/7 sq.ft. per piece, 0.6/0.8 mm, ABC, US$2.50 per sq.ft. C&F by air and DE, US$1.75 per sq.ft. C&F by air.

5. F/C sheep lining leather, 4/7 sq.ft. per piece, 0.5/0.7 mm, TR-1/2/3, US$1.50/1.40/1.30 per sq.ft. C&F by sea.

Both wet blue and tanned goat skins are scarce in the local market as arrivals are limited and buyers plenty. An exporter said, “If the present situation continues, the day will not be far off when big exporters will have to think of starting their own animal farms to meet the demand”. Leather and leather products exporters are operating in the market and grain, suede and lining selections are their interest. They have to pay somewhat higher prices demanded by suppliers now. The transactions are also mostly for cash payments and many small financiers who operate in the market take advantage of this.

Some business were reported in tanned goat skins 3/5 or 4/7, grain selection at around Rs. 60/, suede selection at around Rs.47/- and lining selections A/B/C at around Rs.36/35/34 per sq. ft. Some better varieties fetched even higher prices. Demand continues for all these and many other items and selections including Rejection unabated. Prices of F/C crust goat skins were also at around these prices.

Market was firm even in other tanning centres like Vaniyambadi, Erode, Dindigul etc. Exporters of leather and leather products are everywhere to cover their requirements. (VMK in Indian Leather, May 2011)

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