Brazilian leather exports grow 17,4% in 2014

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Exports of Brazilian hides and skins have reached a total of US$ 2,947 billion in 2014. The number represents a growth of 17,4% in comparison to leather exports in 2013. Information comes from the Department of Foreign Trade from the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC), with further analysis from the Department of Intelligence at the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB).

In December alone, numbers point to a growth of 5,8% in comparison to the same month in 2013: during the last month of 2014, Brazil exported US$254 million, compared to US$240 million the year before.

José Fernando Bello, executive president of CICB, says the scenario regarding Brazilian leather exports in 2014 is highly positive not only in numbers, but also in the series of efforts and investments the sector has promoted in order to increase its competitiveness in the international market. Bello highlights the strong work placed on issues such as leather quality, sustainability, marketing promotion and technology as fundamental for the results the industry has seen in 2014, as well as for Brazil to maintain its leading role in the global scenario.

“It was a very good year in terms of numbers, meaning leather is being recognized across the world as a top material. We believe that the advances we had in 2014 are connected to the sector’s dedication in making Brazilian leather earn its well deserved recognition, through innovation, knowledge and investments. This is the result that can truly bring benefits for the industry in the future to come”, says Bello.

The executive also refers to the sectoral project Brazilian Leather – an initiative of CICB and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) for the promotion of leather exports – as a key vector for the results seen in 2014.

2015 begins with a series of challenges for the Brazilian leather sector, which hopes to maintain the rhythm that dictated the year before. Bello says that this is an important and crucial moment for governments to have a more collaborative position towards the industry, which could bring direct benefits to the country’s economy.