September 22nd

Leather and Hide Weekly

The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) continues to monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is available to support members navigating this rapidly evolving situation. LHCA announced it will hold its Annual Meeting virtually from October 21-23, 2020. A new section below provides additional details about the meeting, along with links to register for its various sessions. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available. Plus, effective January 1, 2021, U.S. hides exported to Kazakhstan will no longer be able to carry the health certificate for the Russian Federation. LHCA is seeking input by this Wednesday, September 23, regarding the possible implications of that decision. More on these and other topics below.

We hope you stay safe and healthy.

 

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Weekly Hides and Skins Stats 

  • Net sales of cured cattle hides reported for the period ending September 10 were 429,800 pieces and of wet blue were 19,400 pieces. Reported shipments of cured hides were 413,800 and of wet blue were 141,100. China was the largest buyer of cured hides and the largest destination for wet blues. See more. For historical data, click here. 
  • U.S. Cattle Slaughter was 645,000 last week, up 12.4 percent from the previous week. Total cattle slaughter in 2020 is 22,847,000, 4.5 percent below 2019 levels. See more.
  • USDA AMS Major Packer Hide Price Report provided prices for seven types of U.S. hides at eight price points with a spread of $4.50 for branded southwest cows to $31.50 for heavy native steers.  See more.

LHCA Annual Meeting Spotlight

  • Mark your calendars -- LHCA will hold its Annual Meeting virtually from October 21-23, 2020. 
  • Companies interested in sponsoring this event should contact Michael Schumpp. Thank you to our current sponsors: Buckman, Cargill Meat Solutions, Hutchinson Salt Co., Norseman, theSauerReport and The Jacobsen. 
  • A draft meeting agenda is available here. The following sessions require registration, and links are provided below. Registration is free. Please note, Committee meetings are open to all current LHCA Producer and Associate member companies. The General Session is open to all meeting participants.  
    • General Session, Friday, October 23, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT
    • Marketing and Sustainability Committee, Wednesday, October 21, 3-4:30 p.m. CT.
    • Hides and Skins Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. CT. 
    • Tanner and Environmental Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT. 

Industry Updates

  • As of January 1, 2021, Kazakhstan will no longer accept the U.S.-Russia  veterinary health certificate for U.S. hides and skins exports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed LHCA that there are discussions underway to negotiate a bilateral certificate between the U.S.  and Kazakhstan, though this certificate would bar the transshipment of hides/skins through other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries (Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan). Therefore, under this bilateral agreement, U.S. hides and skins destined for Kazakhstan would not be able to transit through any of the aforementioned countries. USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are interested in learning whether a restriction on the transshipment of U.S. hides and skins through EAEU countries would pose challenges for exports to Kazakhstan. To provide feedback on this topic, contact Michael Schumpp by Wednesday, September 23.   
  • The Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), in coordination with the National Wildlife Federation, announced a new webinar series focused on sustainability and the future of the leather sector. "Leather Business and the Future Consumer" will be delivered in three live broadcasts on September 24, October 15 and November 5. The series will examine sustainability as it relates to the fashion, furniture and automotive industries. Registration is free. Learn more here.
  • The fall installment of the ANPIC show will take place November 3-5, 2020. The event, like its spring edition, will be held virtually. More here. 
  • The North American Meat Institute continues to share guidance documents and other resources for industry on its COVID-19 response webpage. The page includes the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding face coverings, employee screening and positive test result protocol, among other pertinent resources. CDC and the Department of Labor issued guidance specific to the meat and poultry processing industry in order to facilitate ongoing operations and support the food supply, while also mitigating the risk of spreading COVID-19. The guidance is available here.  

Latest Updates from Real Leather. Stay Different.

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RLSD Social Corner

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Other Trade News

  • The World Trade Organization (WTO) last week ruled against the U.S.'s Section 301 tariffs on imports from China that total nearly $350 billion. The WTO found the U.S. had not explained how the tariffs were a justifiable exception to its commitments under a clause that allows countries to take emergency trade actions to "protect public morals," among other violations. It is unlikely, however, that the ruling would have any practical, immediate impact given the diminished state of the WTO's Appellate Body and dispute resolution process. Read more here.    

 

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Leather News

Each week, we will share relevant leather news below. Some of the articles may cover our products, and the industry, unfavorably, but we still believe it is important to share the different ways in which leather is presented in the media. If you find articles that you would like to see included, please send them to mschumpp@meatinstitute.org.