Cow hide prices softened on Thursday June 13, driven by sellers need to move material before high temperatures in several regions in the US, which can negatively affect the quality of the hide, according to one source.

Northern dairy cow and southern dairy cow hides traded $1 per piece lower at $14.50 per piece and $13.50 per piece, respectively, compared with the previously reported trades.

A few sources reported several large tanners in China and Korea were actively bidding for material at flat-to-higher prices, whereas other tanners were less active and pushed for lower prices. Demand for butt branded steer hides was minimal, but branded steer hides were strong.

A few sources reported European leather demand continued to be weak, forcing suppliers to sell at lower prices than the current market into Asia.

US export sales, shipments for week to June 6

USDA cured hide, wet blue export sales…