Hungary’s Light Industry Association (MKSZ) reports that the sales prices of Hungarian-made leather products are now 60% higher than they were in 1995, according to the Interfax news agency. However, leather manufacturers’ costs have risen by 150% over the period, due to the rise in the value of the Hungarian forint (HUF) and increases in the minimum wage.
Hungarian leather and leathergoods manufacturers are seeking support from the government, such as subsidised loans and more flexible labour regulations.