The US hide market had steady trading on cow hides on Tuesday December 17, with no room for price increases despite continued strong demand from upholstery tanners. Depressed leather prices remained a limiting factor for any upward movement, according to market participants.

Reports indicated some steer hides traded below current market levels, reflecting ongoing price pressures. US packers were actively moving material to keep inventory levels low, while European tanneries were preparing for their typical 2-3 week closures over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Fastmarkets expects hide availability to rise in the near term, driven by strong beef demand during the holiday season.

Cured, wet blue export shipments by selected countries through December 5

Table 1

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