China's demand for imported hides up to 10-15%. (leather industry and trade)

China's demand for imported hides up 10-15%

Demand for imported leather hides is growing by 10-15 percent a year in China, which could become the world's biggest cattle hide purchaser in 10 years, according to international leather dealers.

Bernt Franck, managing director of Hollander (Far East), Ltd., said cattle hides constitute a significant portion of leather raw materials imported by China for footwear, apparel, handbags and other finished products.

Stephen Chow, managing director of Kaufmann Hong Kong, Ltd., concurred, noting the rising demand for leather goods in China. More than half a billion Chinese own leather clothing or accessories he …