Strong demand for all weights

February and march saw a significant increase in the hide market in Ireland and the UK. There was strong demand for all weights of hides from Italian tanners who were believed to have written good business and found themselves short of hides. Some Irish traders were known to have been caught in a long sold position so prices rose for prompt shipment. UK and north European tanners complained bitterly about the increased prices but found that they had to pay. However, by the middle of March the market appeared to have levelled out and some traders and tanners were voicing the opinion that the market had in fact peaked. They felt that the rise was due in part to the upcoming Hong Kong fair and that when the fall came, it would be as swift as the rise. Others, though, did not share this view as cattle kills have been reasonable and with cattle due to come out of winter housing and back on to grass, the kills would fall and the weight of the hides from the kills would also fall with the result that any reduction in hide prices would be very limited. All are agreed, however, the Hong Kong fair will decide the issue. In Ireland and also the UK low lamb kills have caused some hide and skin markets to rethink their operations. In England, one large abattoir was reported to have switched from their longstanding hide and skin trader to another UK based trader. In Ireland, a spat between two skin traders erupted into full scale war and quickly engulfed everyone in the hide and skin business. Abattoir owners could not believe their luck at getting 10% more for their hides overnight. This is not a good time to be in the hide and skin business in Ireland. Prices at the beginning of March were as follows: 36kg+ .............................................................. 85p 31/35.5 ............................................................. 97p 26/30.5 ............................................................. 97p 22/25.5 .......................................................... £1.05 Cows went for £27 per hide. Hogget prices recovered well in February and early March as wave after wave of Chinese buyers arrived in Ireland to buy the end of season Hoggs. Run skins went for £2.50 ex yard in early March.