According to figures released recently by the Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Leather Goods and Travel Articles (ASEFMA), Spain’s leather exports increased 1.3% to Eur254.3 million between January and November, 2002. The majority of exports went to France, 36%; Portugal, 15%; USA, 7%; Japan, 6% and the UK, 6%. ASEFMA forecasts that figures for 2002 could increase up to 9% to Eur277.2 million.

Fernando Gutiérrez, ASEFMA secretary general said: “Over the past few years Spanish leather goods have undergone a complete transformation and now we offer highly competitive products. With the enlargement of the EU we will have 169 million potential purchasers and very little competition. At present Asian countries offer a low quality product at a low price. Now worldwide demand is concentrated on medium-high quality design products, which is what Spain is focusing on.”

Share this story: