Wet-salted hide exports worry leather sector leaders
An increase in wet-salted hide exports is causing concern in the Brazilian tanning industry. The CICB (Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry) said that the increase amounts to 51.4% in terms of volume in the first five months of the year if compared with the same period of last year.
The problem is that if hides leave the country in the early stages of the tanning process, all the added value of finished articles is lost. It is important for economic and social development in Brazil that local tanners produce higher added value articles.
In order to stop the flow of hides out of the country, CICB is thought to be considering a request to the Brazilian Government to increase export duty for wet-salted hides to 15%. It is hoped that it would make this less economic for producers to export. CICB is dedicated to improving the quality of Brazilian leather products, and is keen to encourage the industry to move forward and improve quality.
