1
The growth of wet blue leather offset the decline in U.S. cowhide exports
According to the latest March 2024 report from the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA), the continued growth of wet blue leather exports has helped mitigate the overall decline in U.S. cowhide exports.
From January to March 2024, the total export volume of raw leather and wet blue leather in the United States was 6,754,569 sheets, down 6.32% year-on-year, and the export value was $278.67 million, down 1.14% year-on-year.
U.S. exports of fresh/salted hides fell 11% to 5,715,803 sheets, and exports fell 11% to $177.37 million.
Among them, U.S. exports to China (excluding Hong Kong) decreased by 8% to 3,872,235 sheets, and the export value decreased by 5% to US$118.9 million. U.S. exports to Brazil, on the other hand, increased by 130 percent to 300,193 sheets, and exports increased by 109 percent to $11.17 million. U.S. exports to the EU27 increased 78 percent to 146,241 sheets, and exports rose 93 percent to $3.85 million.
U.S. wet blue leather exports increased 29% to 1,038,766 sheets, and exports increased 22% to $101.32 million.
Among them, U.S. exports to Vietnam increased by 123% to 372,928 sheets, and the export value increased by 121% to US$40.57 million. Vietnam was followed by China (excluding Hong Kong), with exports up 87% to 241,460 and exports up 79% to US$22.38 million.
U.S. exports of wet blue leather to the EU27 fell 44% to 176,054 sheets, and exports fell 42% to $20.24 million. U.S. exports of wet blue leather from Taiwan, China, increased by 193% to 67,007 pieces, and exports increased by 128% to $4.08 million. Exports to Brazil, on the other hand, increased by 112% to 60,457 units and the value of exports increased by 263% to US$3.41 million.
2
Inclement weather and Easter early impact on April retail
UK retail sales fell 4.0% year-on-year in April. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the early arrival of Easter and bad weather have dampened sales, especially in areas such as clothing and footwear.
"Considering the changing timing of Easter and the bad weather, disappointing sales left retailers frustrated at the start of spring. Despite retailers' attempts to lure customers in with deep discounts, people have postponed spring purchases. A gloomy and humid April dampened sales growth in apparel and footwear, especially outdoor sportswear. Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, commented.
"With more social events, many retailers are looking for an increase in sales over the summer." Dickinson added.