USDA Hides and Skins Report

Net sales of 309,400 pieces reported for 2017, all whole cattle hides, were down 30% from the previous week and 22% from the prior four-week average. Increases were primarily for China (187,900 pieces, including decreases of 19,100 pieces), South Korea (74,900 pieces, including decreases of 2,200 pieces), Mexico (24,100 pieces, including decreases of 1,700 pieces), Thailand (7,300 pieces, including decreases of 400 pieces), and Italy (4,600 pieces). Reductions were reported for Japan (1,000 pieces) and India (100 pieces). Exports of 426,000 pieces reported for 2017, were up 10% from the previous week and 19% from the prior four-week average. Whole cattle hide exports of 423,300 pieces were primarily to China (276,500 pieces), South Korea (85,100 pieces), Mexico (22,800 pieces), Thailand (13,700 pieces), and Taiwan (7,000 pieces).

Net sales of 263,400 wet blues for 2017, were up noticeably from the previous week and from the prior four-week average. Increases were reported for China (66,400 unsplit and 24,600 grain splits), Italy (79,700 unsplit and 2,800 grain splits), and Vietnam (53,100 unsplit). Reductions were reported for Brazil (5,700 unsplit) and Vietnam (200 grain splits). Exports of 152,000 wet blues for 2017 were up noticeably from the previous week and up 36% from the prior four-week average. The primary destinations China (45,700 unsplit and 7,200 grain splits), Vietnam (26,600 unsplit and 9,300 grain splits)and Italy (19,600 unsplit and 11,700 grain splits). Net sales of splits totaling 73,200 pounds for 2017 were down 86% from the previous week and 87% from the prior four-week average. Increases were reported for China (86,800 pounds). Reductions were reported for Vietnam (13,600 pounds). Exports of 353,300 pounds were down 28% from the previous week and 18% from the previous four-week average. The destinations were Vietnam (213,400 pounds), China (123,900 pounds), and South Korea (16,000 pounds).