During April-Sept 2005, the Indian leather sector registered a growth of 3.03% to US$1,230.41 million from $1,194.24 million in the corresponding period last year. This was due to higher exports of leather footwear and saddlery and harness.

United Kingdom was the biggest buyer of leather and leather products from India during April-September 2005. Its import stood at $167.51 million followed by Germany $ 160.56 million; USA $147.10 million; Italy $127.04 million, Hong Kong $115.24 million and Spain $88.34 million. Ireland was the lowest buyer with its imports standing at $2.41 million.

According to a break down released by the Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry, during the period of April-September 2005, India recorded a growth of 19.21% for the export of leather footwear, reaching $337.22 million from $282.88 million recorded in April-September 2004, followed by footwear components +2.85% to $86.17 million from $83.79 million, leather goods +6.01% to $301.36 million from $284.28 million and Saddlery & Harness by +24.73% to $36.27 million from $29.08 million. However, exports of finished leather fell by 8.17% to $279.77 million from $304.66 million, leather garments by 8.13% to $161.15 million from $175.42 million and non-leather footwear by 16.59% to $28.47 million from $34.13 in the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile, from April to September 2005, India recorded a growth of 2.96% in imports of raw hides and skins and finish leather to $129.04 million from $125.34 million from last year.

During the period of April-September 2005, India imported raw hides & skins worth $29.96 million from $23.69 million registering a growth of 26.46%, but leather import fell by 2.52% to $99.09 million from $101.65 million in April-September 2004. However, in terms of Indian rupees the total imports of raw hides & skins and leather showed a decline of 1.29% only to Rs. 5.632 billion compared to Rs. 5.706 billion in the corresponding period last year.