The Council for Leather Exports has registered a 16% increase in Indian leather exports for the first quarter of 2007. Total leather exports reached Rs296 billion ($715 million) in the April-to-June period compared with Rs281 billion ($618 million) in the first quarter of 2006.

Finished leather exports were up 21% from $155 million in the first quarter of 2006 to $187 million in the 2007 period. Increases were also seen for leather footwear exports, up 15% from $197 million to $226 million and footwear components, up 13% from $47 million to $53 million. Leather garment exports rose 12% from $56 million to $63 million, while leather goods exports increased by 14% from $155 million to $178 million.