Leather shoe exports prevent larger declines
According to the Bangladesh's Export Promotion Bureau, the country’s total leather exports fell year-on-year between July 2008 and April 2009. However, leather shoe and other leathergoods exports prevented even greater declines.
The figures show that finished total leather exports fell 17.5% to $320 million in the first ten months compared with $376 million during the corresponding period in the previous year.
The overall decline was mainly caused by the 36% drop in finished leather exports which totalled $151.22 million during the ten-month period compared with $236.75 million in the prior-year period.
However, this was partially offset by a 17.5% increase in leather footwear exports, which were worth $155 million in the July 2008 and April 2009 period compared with $132 million. Leather bag and purse exports rose by an incredible 92% to $13.69 million from $7.13 million.
There are fears the country’s leather sector will not be able to meet its ambitious export target of $526.10 million for the year as a result of global economic conditions. Last year’s target was $462.8 million.
