PLGMEA calls for export restrictions
The Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PLGMEA) has asked the government to restrict exports of raw hides, skins, split and wet blue leathers in order to protect the leather garment and leathergoods industry.
Chairman of the PLGMEA, Fawad Ijaz Khan, contacted the Minister for Commerce asking for exports to be controlled, as he believes that the current trend could lead to a loss of jobs in the garment and leathergoods industries if it remains unchecked. Mr Khan said that leather garment exports have fallen 17.43% to $79.6 million between July and September this year, compared with $96.4 million for the same
period in 2003. However, leather exports have actually surged, increasing by 14.58% to $61.5 million in the first quarter of the financial year.
It is claimed the made-up leather industry constitutes 65% of the industry and is labour intensive, and the PLGMEA fears that many jobs could be lost if this trend continues. Shoe exports dropped by 33% to $20.68 million for the same period, and although glove exports increased, this sector relies heavily on imported leather.
Khan also called for controls as it is believed that the increase in leather exports is leading to a shortage of raw hides, skins, split, and wet blue on the domestic market, thus placing more pressure on the garment and leathergoods industries.
