The Argentinean leather industry has welcomed the 10% export duty to be placed on bovine raw, wet salted, pickled and wet blue hides by the Ministry of the Economy. The increase brings the duty into line with the bulk of Argentina’s other raw material exports. The original 5% duty was imposed in error in resolution number 11 on March 2002.

Eduardo Wydler, president of the Chamber of Argentina’s Tanners (CICA) pointed out the importance of the measure in view of the contribution made by the leather industry to Argentina's exports and the fact that unprocessed hide exports grew by 72% in the previous year.

He explained that to turn 1000 raw hides into wet-blue a tannery needs just 10 workers and the process takes 3 days while to turn 1000 raw hides into finished leather 200 workers will work during 30 days. He continued that many tanneries, slaughterhouses and meat packers have decided to add value to their raw materials and now integrate the upholstery leather industry generating large numbers of new jobs.

Mr Wydler said "The new export duty will definitely help in the recovery of the country's industry and, at the same time, clearly reinforces the effort made by the local leather industry together with the other sectors of the leather valorisation chain to export higher added value products".