Brazilian leather sector celebrates increase in the value of exports

10 Views

Focused primarily on exports, the Brazilian leather industry enters 2016 with high expectations. The year should establish the resumption of sales to foreign markets.

In 2015, despite a decrease of 23,2% in exports in comparison to 2014 (last year, Brazilian companies exported US$ 2,2 billion, compared to the US$ 2,9 registered in the year before), the sector has registered an increase in the value generated by shipments overseas. During the period, considering values in the Brazilian currency, companies saw numbers increase 8,7%. “The appreciation of the US dollar favors Brazilian tanneries, even if the international market is on a low”, says executive president of CICB (the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry), José Fernando Bello. “This year is sure to bring us a very positive market performance, specially with the US dollar appreciated”, he adds.

In 2013, the US dollar stood at R$2,17. In 2015, it rose to R$3,39. The trend initiated three years ago has clearly given Brazilian companies a reason to celebrate, boosting their income in 38,8%.

In 2013, Brazilian tanneries generated around R$ 5,5 billion in sales. In 2014, the number rose to R$ 6,9 billion. Last year, they’ve reached R$ 7,6 billion.

According to Bello, companies have their eyes open to new market trends. “Of course it is important to investing in countries that historically buy Brazilian leather, such as China, Italy and the US. On the other hand, there are a number of other countries showing interest in our products, like India and Vietnam. It just increases our presence in the global market”, says Bello.

Brazil is among the five major players within the worldwide leather sector. It boasts 310 tanneries, responsible for production more than 45 million hides every year.

Since 2000, the Brazilian industry has the support from a project fully dedicated to the sector’s international promotion: Brazilian Leather.