First-half 2004 leather trade

Poland's Central Statistics Office reports that Poland imported raw hides and skins worth US$18.8 million in the first half of 2004. The highest imports worth US$2.56 million came from the UK, followed by imports worth US$2.28 million from Germany and US$1.82 million from Australia. Poland also imported tanned leather worth US$241 million in the same period. The highest imports worth US$118 million came from Italy, followed by imports worth US$35 million from Germany and US$21 million from the UK. US$69 million of leather products were imported, US$33 million of which was from China, US$8 million from Austria and US$6 million from Italy. In the same period, Poland exported live bovine animals worth US$85 million. The highest exports, worth US$39 million were delivered to Italy, followed by exports worth US$13.5 million to the Netherlands and US$13 million to Spain. Raw hides and skins worth US$11.7 million were also exported. The highest exports worth US$6.94 million were again delivered to Italy, followed by exports worth US$1.03 million to Germany and US$1.01 million to Sweden. Poland also exported tanned leather worth US$49.7 million in the same period. The highest exports worth US$31.5 million were delivered to Germany, followed by exports worth US$4.82 million to Italy and US$2.73 million to Slovakia. Leather products exports were worth US$91.7 million, including exports worth US$34.6 million to Germany, US$22.2 million to the UK and US$9.56 million to Hungary. One of the largest Polish tanneries, Skotan reported losses of more than a million euros in the first three quarters of last year. Owned by the Karkosik family it is likely to be sold or leased. Another tannery owned by the family, Brzeg tannery was recently disposed of and now serves as a waste recycling facility.