Market participants report that trading remained muted on Tuesday December 3, with sellers focused on maintaining forward-sold positions and buyers showing limited urgency, but the market was concerned with supply chain disruptions driven by recent political turmoil in South Korea.

In the European market, negative momentum persisted with tanners, burdened by high inventory levels, continuing to avoid new purchases amid weak demand for finished leather.

Domestically, packer hide prices were steady while processor hides softened, particularly in the shoe sector where demand remains sluggish.

Fastmarkets analysts suspect that as the holiday season approaches, trading may slow further, with reduced schedules and a focus on inventory management likely to dominate. Sellers may begin introducing February offers early to encourage buyer interest, though movement of poor-quality winter hides may remain a seasonal challenge.

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