Hide trading was quiet today and participants agreed with current price ranges. Additionally, market participants continue to express optimism regarding the improvement in leather demand after prices have been under pressure over the past few weeks.

Trend Continues in 2023 to Replace Natural Leather with Alternatives in Shoes 

Footwear hide tanners in the Chinese domestic shoe sector continue to purchase minimal volumes of US hide material and report weak leather orders from brands. Regular weight Heavy Texas Steer (HTS) hides, a commonly used selection in footwear leather, lost 76 percent of value from nine years ago,…