Ethiopia plans raw hide export ban to support tanneries
According to reports in local media, Ethiopia is preparing to ban the export of raw leather as the federal government moves to support a tanning sector hit by falling supply and earnings.
Export revenue dropped from US$133 million to US$25 million in five years, while volumes fell by 62 per cent. Only 22 million of the country’s 41 million annual hides and skins reach tanneries, with about 240 million square feet lost each year.
Industry minister Melaku Alebel has confirmed that draft regulations are being drawn up to suspend raw hide exports, citing shortages and weak policy enforcement. The number of leather manufacturers has declined from 35 to seven due to limited raw materials and deteriorating quality following the end of veterinary extension programmes.
The proposed ban comes despite government plans targeting US$827 million in leather exports by 2032. Industry figures warn that structural problems in collection systems, quality control, and infrastructure continue to hold back recovery.
