As with the leather and hide trade itself, the availability of data slowed to a trickle during the period under review (June 30-July 14).

The general outlook remained positive, with the concern it could be a mirage for those desparate for good news.  The high level of consumer debt in the USA remained a worry, as did rising US unemployment which reached its highest level (6.4 %) in nine years.  The stock markets extended their gains and most analysts are moderately optimistic for a recovery of the global economy in the second half of the year.

Share this story: