First half figures keep leather exports afloat
According to reports, export figures for the leather sector were almost flat in the year 2008-09 compared with the previous year. Figures from the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) show that leather and leathergoods exports rose 2% to $3.45 billion during the year.
The CLE says leather exports fell dramatically in the second half of the year as demand from western countries plummeted. However, figures were levelled out as a result of first half figures, which saw leather and leathergoods exports rise by more than 20%.
A large proportion of India’s leather exports are shipped to Europe, with Germany alone accounting for 20% of its total exports. Other import export destinations include Italy, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland and Canada. However, exporters are now exploring new markets, including countries in Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East as the recession continues to take its toll.
