Hides and Skins: Net sales of 329,400 pieces were down 52% from the prior week and 38% from the 4-week average. Whole cattle hide sales of 274,100 pieces were primarily for South Korea (106,500 pieces), China (56,000 pieces), and Japan (32,300 pieces). In addition, whole cattle hide sales of 9,400 pieces for delivery in the 2003 marketing year were for South Korea (7,600 pieces) and Thailand (1,800 MT). Exports of 406,700 pieces were 32 percent below the previous week and 25% under the 4-week average. Whole cattle hide shipments of 392,300 pieces were destined mainly for China (116,200 pieces), South Korea (114,400 pieces), Japan (47,100 pieces), and Taiwan (43,400 pieces).

Net sales of 43,500 wet blues equaled the previous week, but were 74%t below the 4-week average. The primary buyers were South Korea (15,100 grain split) and Mexico (12,900 grain split and 1,800 unsplit). Exports of 68,900 hides were 22% below the prior week and 31% under the 4-week average. The primary destinations were Taiwan (22,400 unsplit and 1,600 grain split), Hong Kong (14,700 unsplit), and Mexico (6,400 grain split and 2,800 unsplit). Net sales of splits totaling 1,715,400 pounds were up 38% from the previous week, but down 30% from the 4-week average. The major buyers were Hong Kong (1,178,600 pounds), Italy (288,000 pounds), and Taiwan (172,000 pounds). Exports of 1,689,500 pounds were 49 percent below the previous week and 22% under the 4-week average. The primary destinations were South Korea (580,500 pounds), Hong Kong (543,600 pounds), Spain (250,000 pounds), and Taiwan (215,400 pounds).