Turkish tanners ask for change in import policy
The majority of the 39 Turkish tanners and leather garment companies which attended the recent APLF fair in Hong Kong returned with orders. During the fair the companies learned of an overall increase in leather prices, and that prices may even continue increasing.
Due to fears of price increases, the Turkish Leather Industrialists’ Association and Turkish Leather Council held a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, on 21 April, 2011.
Their aim was to explain the problems of importation due to insufficiency of domestic supply of raw materials. The members requested the help of the Ministry for livestock investment, incentives and a change in import policy.
The Association suggested that instead of importing carcasses, live livestock should be preferred, and the slaughtering carried out in Turkey. The Minister promised the industrialists to increase domestic raw material supply and modify the agricultural policy.
