July 21st

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. Also, President Donald Trump last week signed an executive order ending U.S. preferential treatment of Hong Kong, with implications for trade, tariffs and export controls. U.S. exports to Hong Kong have not been impacted by this order, though China has indicated it plans to respond with sanctions or other measures. Plus, be sure to scroll down to get the latest from the Real Leather. Stay Different. campaign, which is finding new, creative ways to celebrate the beauty, versatility and durability of leather even in this time of social distancing. More on these and other topics below.

We hope you stay safe and healthy.

 

cows

 

Weekly Hides and Skins Stats 

  • Net sales of cured cattle hides reported for the period ending July 9 were 573,900 pieces and of wet blue were 12,500 pieces. Reported shipments of cured hides were 464,100 and of wet blue were 80,900. China was the largest buyer of both cured hides and wet blues. See more. For historical data, click here. 
  • U.S. Cattle Slaughter was 650,000 last week, down 1.1 percent from the previous week. Total cattle slaughter in 2020 is 17,148,000, 5.6 percent below 2019 levels. See more.
  • USDA AMS Major Packer Hide Price Report provided prices for six types of U.S. hides at seven price points with a spread of $4 for southwest dairy cows to $25 for heavy native steers.  See more.

Industry Updates

  • 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.  

 

cows

 

Other Trade News

  • President Donald Trump last week signed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act in response to China's recent enactment of a national security law designed to curb civil unrest in Hong Kong. The Act ends Hong Kong's special status under U.S. law, and effectively terminates the territory's separate customs treatment from China, though the immediate impact on trade is likely to be limited. Importantly, U.S. exports to Hong Kong are not affected by the order, though China has threatened to retaliate. More here.  Separately, President Trump has downplayed expectations for a phase 2 agreement with China, citing a "severely damaged" relationship between the two countries.  
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the appointment of 25 new members to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees, which provide advice to USDA and USTR on trade policy matters. Read more. LHCA President Steve Sothmann is a member of the Trade in Animals and Animal Products Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee.  

Latest Updates from Real Leather. Stay Different.

westwood

 

It's not surprising that when Dezeen, the online architecture and design magazine, recently launched a virtual design festival, submissions featuring leather outpaced other materials. Check out some of the most innovative designs from the competition. Also, get the latest Real Leather. Stay Different. Global Student Design Competition news here. And, don't forget to:

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.