ICT predicts Chinese export growth
According to Paul Pearson, secretary of the International Council of Tanners (ICT), Chinese leather and leathergoods exports to developed markets will remain reasonably flat in 2009, while exports to developing markets are expected to rise.
The leather sector currently comprises around 16,000 companies, he says, employing around five million workers.
He claims leather exports fell in 2009 as a result of the economic downturn, but is expecting the situation to improve in 2010, with the struggling automotive leather sector set to stage a partial recovery. China’s automotive leather sector saw exports fall 40% in 2009 compared with 2008 figures.
Leather footwear accounts for around 52% of China’s leather and leathergoods exports, while leather apparel represents approximately 10% and interiors account for a further 10%.
