Asian leather stockpiles rise higher on SARS fears

17/04/2003

Tanneries in Asia are being forced to stockpile leather because the SARS virus, regional reports say.

 

Speaking to the national press earlier this week, president of the Australian Hides, Skins and Leather Exporters Association, John Gorman, highlighted the increasing reluctance of quality control inspectors to travel within and around Asia because of the virus.

 

He added that the price of Australian hides had already declined 30% in the six months before the outbreak, citing the rising Australian dollar and weakening consumer demand.