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According to a new ITC market study, an increasing portion of the leather articles traded on the world market such as travel goods, handbags, briefcases and wallets is supplied by developing countries. As with most other products made of leather, including shoes and clothing, a large part of the production of these items has shifted from developed to developing countries over the last two decades, a process that is still going on. Some of the world's leading brands of these goods are now produced (although not necessarily designed) in developing countries, a trend that is expected to continue because of differences in labour costs.
Although a dozen or so developing countries are already among the principal exporters of these items, with some being the leading sources on the major markets, others with appropriate supplies of leather and suitable production skills could also possibly enter this trade, as international demand for these goods is rising.
TYPES OF PRODUCTS
The leather goods covered by the ITC study include a wide variety of items. Examples are briefcases, trunks, suitcases, handbags, wallets, coin purses, desk calendars, eyeglass cases, passport cases and belts. (Excluded in the study are leather shoes and garments.) All of these products have a leather covering or surface, either of full leather, composition leather or patent leather.
THE RAW MATERIAL
Many types of leather are used to produce the items reviewed. The main hides and skins in demand are however those of the cow, calf, buffalo, sheep, goat and reptile, and, to a lesser extent, the pig, horse, donkey, camel, deer and elk.
Aside from reptile skins, the best and most expensive qualities for leather goods are usually full-grain aniline-finished (dyed) calfskin leathers. Sheepskin, goatskin, calfskin and cowhide are available in many qualities, from full grain to splits. All types of finish are now technically possible for most types of leather, including nubuck (buffed on the grain side), suede, metallized (coated with a metallic material), embossed and printed.
Demand for certain reptile skins has decreased, and in addition the marketing of the leather or products from it has become illegal in many countries. As a substitute calfskin and cowhide are often embossed to imitate reptile skins, with good results. The sale of goods made of...