India’s leather exports decline 28.3% to $3.3 billion in 2020-21

COVID-19 has hit key overseas markets, says association

India’s export of leather and leather products declined about 28.3% to $3.3 billion in 2020-21 from $4.6 billion in 2019-2020 owing to the COVID-19 impact on key markets of the European Union, the U.K. and the U.S., according to the Council for Leather Exports. “Most of the sales in the overseas markets are happening through e-commerce mode and hence there is a vast change in the customer requirements as malls and shops are closed in our overseas markets and hence customers do not want to pile up inventories,” Shai Aqeel Ahmed Panaruna, chairman, Council for Leather Exports, said. On account of the changed market scenario, customers were now demanding quicker delivery of products as well. However, there was a shortage of containers which was affecting the shipments, he pointed out.