Optimism among Turkish sole leather tanners
Turkish sole leather tanners appear to be taking advantage of the global economic crisis.
The leather industry as a whole has shown some signs of struggle, with double-face leather and garment nappa producers bearing the brunt of the downturn. Many companies have been forced to cut back on production.
However, sole leather producers in the Denizli region, which accommodates more than 20 active tanneries, have benefited from the recent drop in prices for raw cattle croupon hides. Prices for croupons were set at around €2.8 per kilo a year ago but have now by around 50%. As a result, some tanners have decided to increase production levels and lower selling prices. They hope that this will encourage buyers to use leather soles rather than soles made from synthetic materials, which have, until now, been a much cheaper option.
Total leather production in the Denizli region totals approximately 1,500 tons, accounting for approximately 70% of the country’s production.
