Leather Industry Expects Strong Boost from Kurban Bayram

Leather sector recovers waste hides during Eid al-Adha through proper slaughtering, fleshing and storage processes. The sector expects approximately USD 60 million in contributions from Eid al-Adha. Approximately 3 million animals are slaughtered during Eid al-Adha each year in Turkey. Animal hides that become waste are recovered for the leather sector through proper slaughtering, fleshing and storage processes. Sector representatives note that if hides remain undamaged, they would contribute approximately USD 60 million to the leather sector.

Gürsel Deri Tekstil Board Chairman Musa Evin noted that imported hides constitute 80 percent of the hides used in the sector, stating that "hides recovered for the sector during Eid al-Adha contribute to the economy."

Sacrifice hides can be wasted

Evin emphasized that hides from animals slaughtered during Eid al-Adha must be used and explained what is necessary to prevent waste, saying "The person slaughtering the animal must be skilled at the job. If the hide is not fleshed properly, there can be holes or knife cuts on the hide. This reduces the hide's value and can even cause it to be wasted. Storing the hide is as important as fleshing it. The hide needs to be salted to prevent deterioration. Otherwise the hide is lost. Eighty percent of the hides we use are imported, so Eid al-Adha is an opportunity for our sector. We haven't capitalized on this opportunity much so far, but hopefully with some attention we will solve this problem. If we don't recover the hides from animals slaughtered during Eid al-Adha for the sector, the hides will both be wasted and the economy will not benefit," he said. Evin stated, "It is not enough for organizations that collect hides to simply collect them. Both at auction and when sold, they must be given a fair price. The hides in our country are not sufficient for our sector. For this reason we have to import hides. Many hides are wasted during Eid al-Adha. Last year during Eid al-Adha, nearly 2 million animals were slaughtered in Turkey. We believe we will exceed that number this year.

If these animals do not suffer hide damage when slaughtered, it would contribute approximately USD 60 million to the country's economy. However, because the hide suffers damage after fleshing, the contribution is only USD 25 million," he said.

Ukraine accounts for nearly 25 percent of leather apparel exports

Evin noted that the war between Ukraine and Russia, which are among the countries where the leather sector conducts the most exports, is severely affecting the sector, stating "Eighty percent of our exports go to Russia, Ukraine and countries formerly tied to the Soviet Union. Ukraine accounts for nearly 25 percent of our leather apparel exports. Unfortunately, the war between Ukraine and Russia has affected us negatively. Turkish leather manufacturers based in Russia and Ukraine operate shops there. Many of our leather manufacturers' shops in Ukraine have been destroyed. Those exporting to Russia and Ukraine should be provided credit equal to the exports they have made."

We see an increase in exports to the United States and Canada

Evin noted that the leather apparel sector conducts exports to specific countries and stated that the Russia-Ukraine war has led the sector to seek alternative markets, saying "It needs to be a cold country, love leather and have high purchasing power there. Very few countries have all three together. We see an increase in exports to the United States and Canada. We also export from Europe, particularly to Germany and France. However, there is anti-propaganda being created against leather worldwide. It is as if we abuse animals to take their hides. But we take the hide of the animal that is slaughtered for its meat to be eaten, and in doing so we prevent waste. The leather sector is a sector with recycling," he said.