Exports have remained the backbone of the German leather goods industry in the first half of 2004 rising 8.8% compared with the previous year. Total exports totalled €287.4 million.

Europe remained the main consumer of German shoes with Austria, France and Switzerland topping the list of importers. However, Japan and the USA follow closely behind. 

Imports of leather goods into Germany also fell for the period, dropping from €607 million to €605.7 million. China still dominates as the major importer to the German market, with imports from Italy – Germany’s second most important importer – slipping by 1.4%. However, Belgium suffered the greatest slide, with imports dropping by 25.9%.

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