Chinese leather exports take battering from SARS
An indication of the harm SARS is causing to the Chinese leather trade is provided by the latest sales and export figures from the country’s leather industry association.
According to the China Leather Industries Association (CLIA), during April and May, sales and exports of leather goods were down 50% and 41.3% respectively, compared with the year earlier period. In total, 36% of companies reached just half of their normal production capacity while 14% ceased production completely.
The deputy chairman of CLIA, Madame Zhang Shuhua, has consequently presented a round of proposals to the Chinese government to kick-start the country’s leather industry. These include the derating of certain taxes, extra financial support and increased duty drawback rates. Madame Zhang also appealed to the government to improve
Madame Zhang pledged she would continue to research market changes and provide updated information to leather enterprises as and when it becomes available.
