November has been so far the most difficult month for Brazilian leather and skins exports. According to figures released by the Department of Foreign Trade from the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC) and evaluated by the Department of Intelligence at the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), the Brazilian leather industry has registered the lowest value of shipments overseas since January 2012 (US$ 139,6 million), closing at US$ 144.585 million.

The number reflects a reduction of 30,3% in relation to the same period last year, when exports reached US$ 206,5 million. In comparison to October there was also a decrease: 8,6% (or US$ 158,262 million).

As for the amount of hides, considering only cattle hides, in November were shipped 2.668 million pieces, a decrease of 8.1 % compared to October but an increase of 22.6% over the same month last year, when total was 2.176 million.

From January to November 2015 the value has remained 23,2% lower in comparison to the same period in 2014, and 8,4% lower in relation to 2013. The total value of Brazilian exports in 2015 is currently at US$ 2,068 billion.

According to executive president of CICB, José Fernando Bello, difficulties faced by the sector in 2015 should not be repeated in 2016. “We predict a brief resumption of sales next year, especially within the automotive sector”, says Bello.

Brazilian tanneries and leather suppliers have the support of Brazilian Leather, project dedicated to the sector’s international promotion and coordinated by CICB in partnership with Apex-Brasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).

Check the full report here.