30 May 2017, 19:25:37
Bangladesh may get benefit from Indian cattle slaughter ban
KOLKATA: Exporters see Bangladesh is benefiting from the ban on cattle slaughter in India.
The leather produced in India contains certain type of grains which leather from countries like South America and Africa do not have.
"Bangladesh's leather is more akin to that of leather manufactured in India," said Nafis of Zia Hide Skin Agency, who has a factory in Chennai.
Md Ibrar, director of Adiba Leather, is worried about the supply of raw hide, according to a report by economictimes.indiatimes.com.
"We supply bags to international brands such as Gerry Weber. We are also expecting calls from them," he said. "I am not sure what will happen next."
India's curbs on cattle slaughter are making international fashion houses worried.
Brands such as Zara, Marks & Spencer, Prada, Hugo Boss and Armani, or their agents, have started contacting suppliers in India, enquiring whether they would be able to meet their commitments on supplying footwear, handbags, jackets, belts and other products.
The suppliers, many of them running small scale units, fear the government move will cause a big hole in India's $13 billion-a-year leather industry, as a chunk of the business may shift to Bangladesh or they may have to spend more to import raw material. "An important agent from Spain, who sources finished leather for shoes for Zara, had called me last Friday enquiring whether I have enough stock for long-term commitment and how can I ensure supply in the backdrop of the recent government order," said Mohammad Zia Nafis, MD, Zia Hide Skin Agency.
"I have also received calls from Marks & Spencer for whom we supply finished leather for shoes," he said.
On Friday, the government banned sale of cattle for slaughter, a move it said was aimed at preventing cruelty towards animals, curbing illegal trade and smuggling of animals.
While it has stirred up a political storm, the decision caused uncertainties in the meat and leather export sectors, where India is one of the largest players.
In fiscal 2016, India had earned nearly $6 billion from leather exports, show government figures.
Ramesh Juneja, the eastern regional chairman of the Council of Leather Exports, said exporters in the region have been flooded with calls from Italian intermediaries in Solofra and Florence, who work for brands such as Prada and Gucci.
"They all want to know whether the supply will remain normal after the Centre's recent notification," Juneja said.
Prada, Armani and Hugo Boss directly source leather bags for men and women from Kolkata exporters, Juneja said. "I supply to Mango and we may too get a call shortly."
Juneja said if the supply side dries up, the industry may have to import leather.
Kolkata is a major leather industry hub, accounting for as much as 58 per cent of leather goods exported from the country. There are some 1,500 exporters in the Bengal capital alone. August to December is the critical time for the industry, as 45 per cent of the exports take place during these months.
The leather industry from Bengal has decided to approach chief minister Mamata Banerjee and state finance minister Amit Mitra to help them tide over the crisis.
"We will also take legal help if required," said Juneja.
Bangladesh may get benefit from Indian cattle slaughter ban
KOLKATA: Exporters see Bangladesh is benefiting from the ban on cattle slaughter in India.
The leather produced in India contains certain type of grains which leather from countries like South America and Africa do not have.
"Bangladesh's leather is more akin to that of leather manufactured in India," said Nafis of Zia Hide Skin Agency, who has a factory in Chennai.
Md Ibrar, director of Adiba Leather, is worried about the supply of raw hide, according to a report by economictimes.indiatimes.com.
"We supply bags to international brands such as Gerry Weber. We are also expecting calls from them," he said. "I am not sure what will happen next."
India's curbs on cattle slaughter are making international fashion houses worried.
Brands such as Zara, Marks & Spencer, Prada, Hugo Boss and Armani, or their agents, have started contacting suppliers in India, enquiring whether they would be able to meet their commitments on supplying footwear, handbags, jackets, belts and other products.
The suppliers, many of them running small scale units, fear the government move will cause a big hole in India's $13 billion-a-year leather industry, as a chunk of the business may shift to Bangladesh or they may have to spend more to import raw material. "An important agent from Spain, who sources finished leather for shoes for Zara, had called me last Friday enquiring whether I have enough stock for long-term commitment and how can I ensure supply in the backdrop of the recent government order," said Mohammad Zia Nafis, MD, Zia Hide Skin Agency.
"I have also received calls from Marks & Spencer for whom we supply finished leather for shoes," he said.
On Friday, the government banned sale of cattle for slaughter, a move it said was aimed at preventing cruelty towards animals, curbing illegal trade and smuggling of animals.
While it has stirred up a political storm, the decision caused uncertainties in the meat and leather export sectors, where India is one of the largest players.
In fiscal 2016, India had earned nearly $6 billion from leather exports, show government figures.
Ramesh Juneja, the eastern regional chairman of the Council of Leather Exports, said exporters in the region have been flooded with calls from Italian intermediaries in Solofra and Florence, who work for brands such as Prada and Gucci.
"They all want to know whether the supply will remain normal after the Centre's recent notification," Juneja said.
Prada, Armani and Hugo Boss directly source leather bags for men and women from Kolkata exporters, Juneja said. "I supply to Mango and we may too get a call shortly."
Juneja said if the supply side dries up, the industry may have to import leather.
Kolkata is a major leather industry hub, accounting for as much as 58 per cent of leather goods exported from the country. There are some 1,500 exporters in the Bengal capital alone. August to December is the critical time for the industry, as 45 per cent of the exports take place during these months.
The leather industry from Bengal has decided to approach chief minister Mamata Banerjee and state finance minister Amit Mitra to help them tide over the crisis.
"We will also take legal help if required," said Juneja.
