In the first six months of the year 2018 overall manufacturing volumes of the Italian leather industry have been increasing by 4,6%, whereas sales have dropped, in terms of revenues, by 3,8%. In the same period, exports have gone up, in terms of volumes, by 12,1%, though they declined by 4% in terms of value, on annual basis. The Market Insights about 2018 six-month period (from January to June), set by Lineapelle Economic Service, highlight “a double speed” trend. Looking at the segment of medium-large bovine hides, for example, trends are essentially positive (in Spain, France and Germany), despite “a few slowdown signs”. In contrast, small bovine skins (calf), are mostly achieving a negative performance, but, despite a negative trend, sales have been enjoying a boost in some key markets, such as France. Likewise, sheep and goat leather sales are facing tough times in Europe and Asia, whereas they are going well in Spain and Turkey. According to such figures, we must admit that “current market and business trends keep awarding the leather product qualities”, as pointed out in the report issued by Lineapelle Economic Service. Yet the industry is being affected by two negative factors: “A widespread global economic instability alongside different demand trends, coming from the most important leather markets, are partly hindering, apparently, the expansion of business sales”.
Tanning industry volumes go up in the first six months of the year, though the business is affected by geopolitical tensions and demand instability
