Bovine leather exports up

Brazilian exports of bovine hides increased by 16% in 2001, both in volume (number of hides) and turnover (in US$), according to data provided by Secex, the Department of Foreign Trade, and processed by AICSul, the Association of the Tanning Industry of Southern Brazil. A total of 17.2 million hides were exported amounting to US$863 million. Figures for 2000 were 14.8 million hides and US$744 million. Wet-blue exports grew by only 1%, reflecting the effect of the 9% duty imposed, crust exports rose by 59% and finished leather by 33%. Italy, historically Brazil's biggest customer and traditionally buyers of mainly wet-blue, last year saw its purchase figures fall by 7%. Exports to South Korea and China, mainly of finished leather, rose by 99% and 88% respectively.