Spain: leather imports grow faster than exports
Statistics for the nine months between January and September 2001 show that Spanish exports of leather and leather goods are growing at a slower rate than imports, although the country maintains a positive trade balance in the sector. The figures were published by CEC-FECUR (Confederation of Leather Manufacturers of Spain) and Acexpiel (Association of Leather Industry Exporters).
Total exports for January to September 2001 were Ptas431,982 million ($2.29 billion) compared to 369,025 million ($1.96 billion) in 2000, an increase of 7%. Best performers were leather goods (up 48%) fine furs (up 27%) and footwear components (up 20%), while exports in footwear – which accounts for over 60% of total exports - were down 14%.
Imports of leather and leather goods were 319,566 million ($1.7 billion) up from Ptas258,229 million ($1,37 billion) in 2000, a rise of 10%. The most significant rises in imports came from fine furs (up 22%), and finished leather (up 25%).
