Examination of the latest statistics from the German Leather Federation (VDL) shows that the organsation’s forty-strong membership upped its output 5.1% to Eur632 million in 2002. Domestic business increased by 4.5% while exports were up 6%.

The sector provided employment for some 3,300 workers who produced 17 million square metres of finished leather, making Germany Europe’s third-biggest producer after Italy and Spain. While the bulk (70%) of output went for automotive interiors, 20% was sold to footwear producers while the remainder was destined for garments and ‘fancy goods’.

Supplies of cow and bull hides from domestic sources meanwhile were down 1.2% and calves by -8.6%.  Despite its continuing problems, VDL says it is hoping for further signs of improvement in the second half of 2003.

According to Germany’s Federal Statistics Bureau, the country’s imports of leather garments declined 14% to Eur510.4 million ($573.6 million) in 2002.

Chinese imports accounted for the largest (33.5%) share, totalling Eur171 million ($192.2 million). Turkey, India, Pakistan and Italy were also key importers and accounted for 51.4% of the total. Imports of fur, meanwhile, increased 17.3% to Eur69.6 million.

 

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