United Kingdom
Hide market participants reported that the market continued to be sluggish in Europe and Asia in the week to Thursday October 10.

The continued shortage of leather orders remained a problem, particularly in the footwear sector. The only bright light in the footwear business was for suede athletic shoes, which pushed prices in the split market higher.

Automotive and furniture hide demand was moderate, but buyers were wary of prices. Producers in Europe tried to maintain a forward sold position, but prices had to remain unchanged to continue to attract business, Fastmarkets heard.

Cow hides were in firm demand but at stable prices. Wet blue stocks in Asia and Europe were reportedly high, leading market participants to believe a turnaround in this market in the short term was unlikely. Prices are expected to remain at unchanged levels for the foreseeable future, according to participants.

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