All articles by Schattopadhaya
Schattopadhaya
Hope for Pakistan
The Pakistan Mega Leather Show once again provided the country’s leather sector with an invaluable opportunity to showcase its expertise, and promote R&D and joint ventures with foreign buyers from around the globe, all with the aim of boosting exports.
Positive energy
Hosting over 450 exhibitors, as well as a designers show and raw materials conference, this year’s India International Leather Fair was arguably its most ambitious edition yet. Leather International reports from Chennai.
Mind the gap
At the invitation of the European Leather Association, Leather International was in Brussels at the start of February to witness the results of an EU project into the digitalisation of the TCLF sector. The takeaway message was there is an emerging appetite for digital roles within the workforce, but more training is required to fill the skills gap.
Première league
Première Vision Paris on 12–14 February at Paris-Nord Villepinte was marked by solid attendance, despite influences from market concerns over Brexit.
Leather market: taking stock
Challenging conditions have prevailed for another year in the industry. Hidenet’s Don Ohsman and Vera Dordick reflect upon the market’s state, consider the lessons learned and look ahead to 2019.
Leather traits in sheep and deer: first insight
The New Zealand Leather and Shoe Research Association, and Invermay Agricultural Centre came together to measure the heritability of leather traits in sheep and deer skins to produce a riveting case study. Leather International presents the group’s findings.
Première Vision New York at Manhattan’s Pier 94
The anticipated Première Vision New York autumn/winter 2019–20 show will take place at Pier 94 in Manhattan on 17–18 July. Once again, major materials suppliers and the global fashion industry are brought together for an inimitable event promoting connectivity, originality and fashion education.
Chemical tanning processes: a game of two halves
Comparing commercial and analysis-grade chemicals in the preparation of the chromium-melamine syntan, the following study, conducted by industry experts CSIR-CLRI and Sellam Chemicals, showcases the outcomes caused by common and experimental chemical treatment of hides.
Don Ohsman’s view on the US leather market
The name of the film The Perfect Storm comes to mind when looking at the US hide market. Prices have continued to fall more rapidly than was the case in June, with slaughter running at maximum capacity, and side-leather business reaching its lowest ebb of the year. This lack of demand is seasonal, but when compared with previous years, it’s much worse.
Don Ohsman’s view from the US
The long decline in US hide prices continued in May. Heavy native steers, the selection with the best demand ‘only’ fell $3, or 5%. By comparison, Texas steer prices, on seasonal weights went from $49 down to $41–42, or nearly 20%. Butt-branded steers traded at $52–53 during the last week of May and closed the month at $49. Colorados, in general, sold on a par with Texas. Prices went from a high of $46 down to $41 as June began, or a decline of 20%.