Turkey’s total leather and leathergoods exports rose 3.9% in 2008 to $1.32 billion compared with $1.27 billon in 2007.

However, the global economical downturn started to impact on the sector’s exports towards the end of the year. Exports in December totalled $89 million compared with $135 million, a drop of 34% compared with December 2007 figures.

Approximately 65% of Turkish leather exports are readymade garments, while leathergoods and footwear account for 20%. Its most significant export destinations for leather and leathergoods are Russia, Germany, France, the UK and the US.

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