Speaking at the Lineapelle Leather Show in Bologna, the German Leather Federation announced that the total turnover of the 40 German tanneries went down in the first six months of 2004. Domestic sales fell 19%, especially in the furniture sector, and exports went down by 13%. Total annual sales are around €550 million ($701.6 million) of which 47% are exported.  With further reductions in domestic and European footwear and leathergoods production expected, the Federation said that it is vital for the sector to gain wider access to international markets.  

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