HS Code:
The category 'Whole hides and skins, unsplit, of a weight per skin not exceeding 8 kg when simply dried, 10 kg when dry-salted, or 16 kg when fresh, wet-salted or otherwise preserved' (HS Code: 4101.20) pertains to raw hides and skins of bovine or equine animals that have not been split and are within the specified weight limits based on their preservation method. This category primarily includes raw materials used in the leather industry for the production of various goods such as footwear, apparel, and furniture. These hides and skins are typically sourced from cattle and horses and are traded globally as a primary input for tanneries and leather processing industries. The trade of this category is influenced by factors such as livestock production, environmental regulations, and demand for leather products.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-USMCA)
Growing demand for sustainable leather production
Increased scrutiny on sourcing practices and preservation methods has led to higher demand for certified, eco-friendly hides and skins, affecting trade patterns by favoring exporters with sustainable practices.
2021-2022
Shift towards alternative materials
The rise of synthetic and vegan leather alternatives has slightly reduced demand for raw hides in some markets, particularly in Europe, impacting overall trade volume growth.
2020-2022
Increase in livestock production in developing countries
Higher livestock production in countries like Brazil and Argentina has increased the supply of raw hides, leading to competitive pricing and shifts in global trade flows.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the import of raw hides and skins, mandating certification for sustainable and ethical sourcing to combat deforestation and unethical livestock practices.
March 2023
Exporters from countries with robust environmental policies, such as Australia, may benefit, while others may face reduced market access or higher compliance costs.
A bilateral agreement between the US and Brazil reduced tariffs on raw hides and skins, aiming to boost trade volume between the two largest players in this category.
October 2022
This agreement is expected to increase Brazil's export share to the US, potentially affecting other exporters like Argentina.
Several African countries, under the African Union framework, have implemented export restrictions on raw hides to encourage local leather processing industries.
January 2023
This may reduce the global supply of raw hides from African countries, potentially increasing prices and shifting trade to other regions.