Leather exports rise
Total finished leather and leathergoods exports from India rose 2.7% in dollar terms during the period April 2008 and February 2009. In rupee terms, leather and leathergoods exports grew 16.2% to Rs151.9 billion.
The sector’s exports for the 11-month period totalled $3.3 billion compared with $3.2 billion in the prior-year period.
Footwear exports for the period totalled $1.39 billion compared with $1.37 billion for the corresponding period the previous year. However, finished leather exports fell 13.8% to $637.5 million and saddlery and harness exports fell 9.2% to $86 million.
Footwear exports account for 42% of India’s total leather export trade. Leathergoods have a 24% share, while finished leather accounts for 19%, leather garments for 12% and saddlery and harness goods for 3%.
Its major markets for leather products are Germany with a share of 14.3%, Italy (13.2%), the UK (11.4%), the US (9.6%), Hong Kong (6.2%), France (6.2%), Spain (6%), the Netherlands (4.2%), the UAE (2.4%), Denmark (1.7%), Belgium (1.5%) and Australia (1.5%).
