22 December: EU decided to extend anti-dumping duties on Chinese and Vietnamese leather footwear. Many disagree.

21 December: At year end Sauer Hide Index 85-90% higher than lowest point this year around 1 May.

18 December: African wetblue hides sell to China again after a long absence.

17 December: European hide trade sliding into holiday mood while prices remain firm or firmer.

16 December: 2009 Car sales in China will reach 13 million against just over 10 million in the USA. But how many of those cars have leather inside?

15 December: Year end or not, Australia and New Zealands skin business is hot and hides are not far behind.

14 December: ARGENTINA - For 2009 the country reports the highest kill figure in 20 years.

11 December: UNITED STATES - Steer hide prices probably topped. Now more interest in low grades which sees prices increase due stronger demand.

8 December: China furious if EC decides to extend footwear anti-dumping duties.

7 December: After 47 weeks the Sauer Hide Index is back to where it came from, index figure 100.

4 December: UNITED STATES - Official hide export sales figures show the lowest numbers since very long but prices still firm.

3 December: BRAZIL - Unconfirmed stories say Brazil has started to offer and sell wetblue hides again to reduce stocks.

2 December: Most raw prices on the rise but in the USA prices have not moved for a week at least. Have they set the top limit?

1 December: NEW ZEALAND - Lambskins selling by hundreds of thousands if not millions to China in wetsalted but at better prices then the best pickled. NZ producers are in heaven!

30 November: Lack of offers from Brazil revives demand for hides from smaller Central and South American nations, Eastern Europe and Africa.

27 November: CHINA - Shoemakers expect big sales growth next year. Export prices will be biggest challenge.

26 November: GOODBYE AND ALL THE BEST - The worlds oldest hide trader Ernesto Moos is retiring.

20 November: UNITED STATES - Hide prices continue to rise. It seems no end in sight.

19 November: EUROPEAN UNION - Majority voted against extension anti-dumping duties on leather footwear from China and Vietnam. Final vote 22 December.

18 November: Most medium to high quality raw hide markets are firm or firmer. Lower quality origins have stabilized at what may technically be a bottom. No further reductions noted.

16 November: South African local hide market very firm with good orders but hide export prices didnt change.

13 November: Taiwan has shown to be hungry for hides but fears coming months if raw prices dont come down.

12 November: United States - Hide sellers stronger than ever it seems. Take it or leave attitude towards buyers persists.

11 November: Orders in Italy slowly improving but payment terms longer and longer and risks multiplied

10 November: Good demand from S.Croce/Italy for light ox/heiferhides from Australia and Europe.

6 November - US hide market higher again. China business could be better than previously thought. European market unclear and full of contradictions.

5 November - Two big Chinese tanners fighting to get their hands on all Australian sheep and lambskins.

4 November - SORRY TOTAL TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN

3 November - Bangladesh more than doubles footwear exports to USA

2 November - Working glove industry seems to move from Pakistan to India and China.

30 October - ARGENTINA - Hide prices increased strongly lastr 4 weeks due good demand car leather tanners.

29 October - UNITED STATES - Sharp steer hide price increases of 2-3 Dollars.

28 October - UNITED STATES - High Point furniture show, the worlds largest, tells brown leather is out. Gray, orange and blue are in.

27 October - NIGERIA - Leather exporters and government are meeting these days to sort out several years delayed export grant payouts which hamper trade development.

26 October - INDIA - Delhi Leather Fair disturbed by PETA members.

23 October - UNITED STATES - Year to date sales and shipments this year about the same as last year although 2009 produced 1.3 million hides less during the period.

22 October - Car leather tanners moving away from expensive bull hides to heavy cows.

20 October - TURKEY - Double face business with Russia dreadful.

19 October - CHINA - Continuing good sales of lamb and wool sheepskins from various origins to China.

16 October - NEW ZEALAND - Strong Italian demand for light hide splits for suede production but nothing on offer.

15 October - CHINA - unconfirmed figures released in China indicate one out of ten cars manufactured there has leather interior.

14 October - 2nd day Lineapelle: Many more people around. General opinion is that if raw prices reduce there is good business to be done. Optimism for 2010.

13 October - 1st day Lineapelle mediocre number of people but hide prices from at least USA and South Africa steady or firmer. Most talks reserved for the VAT/IVA scandal in North Italy.

12 October - 21 Tanners in Arzignano/Italy arrested last friday in connection with VAT fraud.

9 October - the European commission proposes 15 months extension of the anti-dumping duty on Chinese and Vietnamese footwear. Voting outcome not sure.

8 October - European cowhides down to 0.75 EUR/kg delivered Italy.

7 October - ARGENTINA - Cattle population down 6 million due very high slaughter this year.

6 October - INDIA - Result of recent floods is that many animals perished which could also lead to supply problems of hides and skins.

5 October - French News TV said fashion designers are returning to leather for garments.

5 October - French News TV said fashion designers are returninig to leather for garments.

2 October - Interest and prices are slowly edging down on most world hide markets.

1 October - Confusing news from Brazil since the new JBS/Bertin meatworks set up. Possibly the only country in the world where hide prices go up.

30 September - Strong demand and firm prices for top quality full grain hides persists but supplies limited. All lower qualities a problem.

29 September - EU intends to extend anti-dumping measures on Chinese footwear imports in compromise deal.

28 September - UNITED STATES - For the 14th week hide export sales remain below slaughter figures.

24 September - BRAZIL - The new JBS/Bertin combination says it guarantees to produce close to 100,000 hides per day.

24 September - China now interested in pigskins while recent global demand for goat suede seem on the way back.

22 September - China is moving towards its Golden Week holiday period early October and activity will reduce.

21 September - Unreal high European hide prices start to kill leather sales to product manufacturers.

18 September - Top quality heavy male hides are good business and bring high prices but only few can be found.

17 September - BRAZIL - the JBS take over of Bertin creates a group which could control as much as 40% of Brazilian hide production.

16 September - GERMANY - GDS shoe fair Dusseldorf last week asks for modest optimism.

15 September - SOUTH AFRICA: Big shortage of hides makes prices explode.

14 September - Top quality and fashion leather tanners are gathering at Le Cuir a Paris the coming days.

11 September - French cowhide prices still going up but in the UK/Eire prices are easier.

10 September - US heavy native steers weaker which makes selling European hides to Asia even more difficult. Dollar at 1.453 Euro another barrier for Euro sellers.

9 September - After the recent hide price explosions market now in vacuum. Which tanner can pay todays asking prices?

8 September - Surprisingly strong interest from China for Australian lambskins.

7 September - Shanghai fair made many wheels start turning again but it is not very clear in which direction. Will prices hold or will they drop?

4 September - Shanghai fair ended busy and on a positive tone. While China reduces hide purchases, Italy may come into the market next week.

3 September - Plenty people at Shanghai fair on day 2 also. Lots of activity but one cannot see what results in buying. Too early for conclusions except for confirming good general interest and continued pressure on hide prices too come down.

2 September - Plenty people at the opening of the Shanghai fair kept all corridors filled throughout the day. Hide market still unsure but probably softer.

1 September - Hide prices hesitating and may come down. Shanghai fair tomorrow will hopefully tell it all. Register for our free seminar on Hides and Leather, visit www.aclechina.com, go to section 'events' then 'seminars' or contact Ms Kwok at chionkwok@cmpasia.com.

To register for our free Shanghai seminar on Hides and Leather, visit www.aclechina.com, go to section 'events' then 'seminars' or contact Ms Kwok at chionkwok@cmpasia.com.

27 August - We can state trade stopped till the Shanghai fair opens its doors 2 September.

26-August: Further hide price increases reported from Argentina and Turkey. Shanghai fair - Do not forget to register for the free hide and leather seminar. Contact ronsauer@thesauerreport.com

25-August: Further hide price increases reported from Germany, United Kingdom, Spain and Brazil. South Africa reports prices unchanged.

24 August: Good quality hide markets increased up to 20-25% over the last 4 weeks.

24 July: Closed for holidays. Next updates 24 August.

23 July: European hide markets now just as bullish as USA. More demand than offers. Everybody wants to buy. Prices increasing.

22 July: Interest for splits returning according fashion designers and Chinese upholstery tanners. Brazil reports leather exports for first semester are less than half those of last year.

21 July: A general strong believe that things will get much better in September keeps hide markets firm. There is no proof however.

20 July: Almost all hide prices firm or higher.

16 July: United States - Most hide prices higher again. Africa - Interest from China for African hides and goats reviving.

15 July: Central and South American wetblue hides sell again to China at 0.50 USD/sqft for tr selections.

14 July: It is said finished leather sales have stopped to decline which brings some optimisn for Q4.

13 July: Since so many hide prices are higher now, the Sauer General Hide index recuperates its arrear on the Sauer Upholstery Hide index of week 26.

10 July: European hide price continue to rise. On the asking side that means!

9 July: CHINA - Many unconfirmed economic indications show that the global economic crisis has hurt the Chinese domestic consumer market less than first thought.

8 July: NEW ZEALAND reports lamb and sheepskin contracts having been cancelled by certain Chinese and Indian buyers. The parcels re-appear on the market and prices are weaker.

7 July: GREECE - Hide price firmer due strong interest from Turkey.

6 July: Chinese President to visit Santa Croce tanneries in Italy tomorrow.

3 July: UNITED STATES - For 1st time in weeks export sales and shipments remain below weekly slaughter.

2 July: European hide prices continue to climb but not on any clear better leather demand basis.

30 June: Interest for buffalo upholstery returning in India, Egypt and Nepal.

29 June: ITALY - Domestic hide prices increase. UNITED STATES - Consumer spending and sentiment are up thanks to government stimulus plans.

26 June: Italian owned shoe factories in Bulgaria report a flurry of new orders.

25 June: EUROPE - Low kills keep hide prices firm but in Italy one can buy French cowhides cheaper than in France.

24 June: SPAIN - Finished leather trade already coming to a stop for the holiday period. Expectations are not high for what follows.

23 June: China shows increasing interest for East African goatskins.

22 June: ITALY - Trade in domestic calfskins and heavy male upholstery hides improving. Prices firmer.

19 June: American export hide sales one third down from previous weeks but weekly shipments still almost match hide production.

187 June: European tanning business does not match the hurray all ok image presented by American hide sellers.

17 June: CHINA - Tanners fear their cheap renegotiated contracts may finally never be shipped because of meanwhile increased hide prices. Who beats who?

16 June: European lamb and sheepskin business very slow. Napa dead.

15 June: A better general feeling, justified or not, pulls all Sauer Index figures up.

11 June: UK - Exports difficult due strong Pound Sterling versus Dollar and Euro.

10 June: FRANCE - Bullhide and calfskin prices rise sharply.

9 June: AUSTRALIA - 150,000 cattle perish in Queensland floods. INDIA - Revises sanitary certificate for imported raw hides and skins.

9 June: AUSTRALIA - 150,000 cattle perish in Queensland floods.

8 June: SOUTH AFRICA - Hide prices firm since car leather industry restocking and kill low.

5 June: ARGENTINA - Hide prices increased on nothing else but better expectations for second half 2009.

4 June: CHINA - Strong hide buying in USA may have been justified due firm leather orders but very few believe it will last through the summer.

3 June: ITALY - Calfskin tanners active in buying to cover post holiday needs.

2 June: New Sauer Hide Price Indexes of today show 10-11% increase for the best and better hides over last 2 weeks. Second class hides increased 6% on average. Low grades unchanged. Note that most concerns asking prices.

29 May: BRAZIL - Credit crunch limits tanning capacities which on its turn pushes wetblue prices higher due smaller production. Office closed on monday for Whitsunday/Bank Holiday.

29 May: BRAZIL - Credit crunch limits tanning capacities which on its turn pushes wetblue prices higher due smaller production.

27 May: BANGLADESH benefits from economic crisis by increasing its exports of quality low cost footwear.

26 May: Once the rally of American hide sales and prices comes to a stop, whether temporary or not, we see there is little other action left in the world.

25 May: Chinese tanners are awaiting results Guangzhou shoe fair next week before taking further decisions.

22 May: While worldwide many abattoir hide prices are rising, tanners wonder which hard economic facts justify increases. Many believe it will be a short ride and they stay out of the market.

20 May: theSauerReport setting up a new daily trading section - THE SOUND OF LEATHER - for its subscribers as from today.

19 May: Increased activity for Italian tanners was expected but did not yet show up.

18 May: SAUER PRICE INDEXES - For first time this year hide indexes moved up. Goat ans sheep continue slow descend

15 May: Kenya - Chinese hide buyers now demand photographs of hides, pallets and container before shipment.

14 May: United States - Steerhide and dairy cows prices continue to rise but April retail sales disappointing.

13 May: ARGENTINA - Agriculture in shambles. Next years kill may drop to 10-11 million head from 13-14 million, but the difference in hide availability will not be missed by the domestic leather industry which shrank as well.

12 May: SOUTH AFRICA - Automotive sector shows some more activity but prices remain unchanged.

8 May: UNITED STATES - Hide prices firmer after weekly export sales exceed 1 million hides for 2nd time in a row.

7 May: BRAZIL - After good sales of wetblue TR1 and 2 at very low prices, these selections are now in short supply with some big tanners. Prices firmer.

6 May: United Kingdom/Ireland: Abattoir hide prices firming due low kills and buying competition.

4 May: United States reports highest weekly hide sales figure of the year, 935000 pcs.

30 April: theSauerReport calls for action to re-organize the hide trade and try avoid the recent and present market crash disasters.

29 April: Sheep and lambskin prices from Australian and New Zealand very firm and supplies short. Strong demand from China.

28 April: The present all important High Point furniture show in N.C. USA showed slow start yesterday. US furniture sales in March down 14% but much more for leather insiders say.

27 April: Brazil reports new interest for wetblue hides from Italy but no confirmation in hand from Italy.

24 April: With most winter season orders now covered Asian raw buying expected to cool down.

23 April: EUROPE - Hide producers and sellers do not want to keep stocks over the hot summer months but prices may have to suffer because of that, especially cows.

22 April: GERMANY - Some improvement in car leather type hide trade.

21 April: Good quality machine flayed calfskins bring more money because of high split values.

20 April: Less pessimistic sounds. Some believe winter leather production 2009 will be better than 2008.

16 April: Italy - Lineapelle produces optimistic sounds for some privileged few in shoe leather sector. No general optimism. United States - steer hide prices weaker again.

15 April: Australian and New Zealand sheep and lambskin prices very firm.

14 April: After HKong fair and Easter holidays market now looks flat with little activity.

8 April: This month shows the best hides and skins have the best chance to find buyers. Second qualities and worse have little chance.

7 April: The stabilizing raw prices of the last days make operators feel more at ease. Less chance of payment problems with customers.

6 April: All Sauer Price Indexes practically stable. Only very minor changes during last two weeks.

2 April: theSauerReport meeting in HKong on the hide market crash a sold out success today. The meeting was invited by CICB to continue at Couromada in Brazil.

1 April: Day 2 of the APLF leather fair in Hong Kong as busy and buzzing as yesterday. There is a smell that business is not that far away but no indication about how long the slightly better feeling could last. After all fundamental economics have not changed. Raw prices about stable.

31 March: the APLF leather fair in Hong kong opened today. First impression is more visitors than many expected.

26 March: Hide prices firming but unsure whether a change of long or short duration.

25 March: UNITED STATES - Steer hide prices firmer. Reality or Hong Kong Fair fake? Next week shall tell!

24 March: Register now for next weeks Raw Hide Market Crash Meeting at the Hong Kong fair. Contact theSauerReport.com.

23 March: United States - The more expensive Euro versus the USD pls reduced US hide prices chase Asian hide buyers back to America.

20 March: United States - Year high export sales reported of over 800,000 hides. True or not?

18 March: THE SAUERREPORT MEETING AT APLF HONG KONG - partcipating tanners, traders, etc. booked from : Argentina, China, Germany, France, India, Italy, South Africa, Brazil, Serbia, Sweden, Finland, Zimbabwe, Australia, Vietnam, Cyprus, United States, Singapore, Egypt, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Pakistan. Add your name and register now!

17 March: At theSauerReport raw material meeting at the APLF HKong fair the worlds leaders are participating. Book your place now, it's free!

16 March: Chinese are re-starting their customs book hide import program.

13 March: Sheep and lambskins from Australia and New Zealand suddenly enjoy booming demand from China. One month ago the siuation was still disastrous.

12 March: United States - Hide prices melting like ice in the sun. Steer hides down another 2 Dollars in just 24 hours.

11 March: Italian tanners at recent MICAM shoe fair/Milano expect decent demand medium quality sheepskins for shoe production. Also for shoe suede.

10 March: More stories from various countries about hides leaving abattoirs without payment.

9 March: UNTED STATES - Hide prices slipped further last week.

6 March: ARGENTINA - Raw hides 28/29 kos. reached all time low of 0.35 USD/kg. Estimated 3-4 million unsold hides on stock.

6 March: ARGENTINA - Raw hides reached all time low of 0.35 USD/kg. Estimated 3-4 million unsold hides on stock.

5 March: UNITED KINGDOM - Hide prices come down to join the rest of Europe in trying to sell to Asia, the only market left today.

4 March: CHINA - Shoe orders late but now increasing in number. March could be busy month.

3 March: NEW ZEALAND - Skin prices move up due good qualities, low kill, right season and buyers flying in.

2 March: BRAZIL - One of biggest meat packers closes its 10 plants and sends 12000 workers home. Its tanneries continue to operate on existing raw stocks.

27 February: United States - Meat packer National Beef announced in intends to acquire Prime Tanning and move into the wetbluing buisiness.

25 February: theSauerReport round table conference on raw hide market developments now confirmed for 2 April at Hong Kong leather fair. Register now free of charge.

24 February: While installing a new computer all our systems went down. No updates for now. Working.

23 February: United States - Take over of National Beef by JBS Swift, the worlds largest meat/hide producer a no-go and abandoned.

19 February: United States - Hide exporters who counted on Chinese buying revival after Lunar holidays now pushing to sell and unload stocks. Revival never happened. Prices remain weak.

17 February: Only disappointment from WSA shoe fair in Las Vegas and from Le Cuir a Paris leather fair in France last week.

16 February: Almost all North American hide prices lower by the end of last week. Supply remains much bigger than demand.

13 February: Italy - Newpapers mention Italian tanning industry asks government to intervene and give assistance.

12 February: United States - Hide supply much bigger than demand. Prices might slip again.

11 February: Worlds Nr 1 shoe fair in Las Vegas/USA this week could show us which direction the leather industry will go.

9 February: Global sales last week disappointing everywhere. Chinese buyers not yet back on the market.

5 February: European cowhide market pulverized. Hides selling at 0.35/0.45 EUR/kilo delivered.

4 February: Central American and Brazilian hides show some more action and sales.

2 February: Leather world is anxiously waiting for action from China now that holidays are over. Maybe later this or next week?

29 January: Good quality Italian domestic cow hides can be bought cheaper than medium quality imports.

28 January: A menacing over supply of raw material this year increases the necessity to find more applications for leather. Work for designers, who must be made aware of how cheap leather has become and how much more competitive with other materials!

27 January: Trade very quiet due Lunar New Year holidays in Asia.

26 January: the Sauer General Hide Index, Sheepskin Index and Goatskin Index are up for the first time since long while the Upholstery Hide Index dropped further.

23 January: Looking for reactions to our seminar on the Hide Market Crash and the Future, planned during Hong Kong Fair end March. Something to say? Want to participate? Tell us!

22 January: Furniture buyers go Eco.Biodegradable materials are wanted. Leather should follow the trend to stay in tune with consumers demands.

21 January: December showed low raw prices and no business. January shows low raw prices with some business. After all, an improvement!

20 January: Certain signs from markets and recents trade fairs could point to a slight amelioration of the general situation in the industry. But too early to draw conclusions.

19 January: CHINA: Leading tanner reports poorest order position ever. Brands in footwear industry still holding back orders.

17 January: End 2008 retail sales at enormous discounts leave retailers with little cash to buy new stocks while credits also very difficult to obtain.

16 January: Lunar New Year activities starting next week. Many Asian buyers start packing to depart on holiday. Business quiet.

13 January: Reduced car sales of many millions predicted for 2009 must have big influence on global leather demand at 5 hides per car.

12 January: Not much trade this 1st week of 2009. Most prices same but some are lower. Many say hide prices bottomed but lack of business brings no proof. Next week could show small boost before Chinese New Year.

9 January: Not much trade this 1st week of 2009. Most prices same but some are lower. Many say hide prices bottomed but lack of business brings no proof. Next week could show small boost before Chinese New Year.

8 January: CHRISTMAS RETAIL SALES ROUND UP - Very disappointing in USA, Japan, France, Italy, Greece, Spain and UK. Unchanged from 2007 in Germany. Good in China, Russia and some smaller countries.

7 January: INDIA - Good results lasted till August 2008 when reduced export demand hit the leather industry hard. Up to half million jobs may be lost.

6 January: CREDIT CRUNCH - More heads are beginning to roll due lack of credit to trade. UNITED KINGDOM - Marks and Spencer report worst Xmas sales in 80 years.

5 January: UNITED STATES - Hide prices were said to bottom out just before Xmas but market still without strength today and many prices lower again. Only clear increase is for native bull hides.