US hide sellers reported stronger demand on Thursday August 8, with trading flat to higher compared with previously reported prices.

Market participants speculated that the sudden spark in demand was likely driven by incoming leather orders or by expectations that hide prices may tick up in the near term.

One large packer said the main source of demand was the athleisure category of the leather footwear sector.

Sellers fought to hold deals at previously traded prices after much buyer resistance.

Most of the material traded on Thursday was steer and heifer hides, but sellers reported ongoing negotiations for cow hides; buyers followed up with bids that were closer to last traded prices.

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