The steer hide market gained some positive momentum today as footwear and automotive leather businesses demanded material. There is resistance from several buyers to pay higher prices, but some will pay a few dollars up. The Chinese domestic market holds most of the leather interest. Mexican auto tanners have also increased buying at the end of the week. Some auto factories that had cutdown on production hours have reportedly reopened as the chip shortage has improved.

The microchip shortage continues to hinder auto production and leave dealers…