Long-term price drop challenges Brazil’s exports
22/09/2025
Data shared with the news agency, from Durli Leathers, shows that a hide worth $59 in 2014 is now valued at about $5, equivalent to 0.5% of a cattle head’s price compared with 14% a decade ago.
Durli CFO Christiano Frizzo said Brazil exports 80% of its unprocessed leather, with shipments totalling $1.25 billion in 2024, citing CICB figures. He linked the price decline to global oversupply, weaker international demand, and fossil-based substitutes promoted by petrochemical companies.
Other pressures include disease risks from pasture-raised cattle and quality losses caused by hot branding. Mr Frizzo argued that innovations such as digital ear tags for traceability could support recovery. According to Sebastiao Silva of a tanners’ association in Mato Grosso, repeated branding from multiple ownership changes further undermines hide quality.
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