Press Releases and Latest Industry Information
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 18th August 2020
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. The U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement marked an important milestone this past weekend, reaching six months since it took effect. Also, "Real Leather. Stay Different." Global Student Design Competition is nearing its end in Taiwan, with an Awards Ceremony to honor the talented finalists scheduled for September in Taipei. LHCA member company representatives in Taiwan are invited to attend. Plus, the latest Leather Loves blog post is now available. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 11th August 2020
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 has learned that Ecuador intends to impose new registration requirements for bovine salted hide exports to the country. Also, the "Real Leather. Stay Different." Global Student Design Competition is nearing its end in Taiwan, with an Awards Ceremony to honor the talented finalists scheduled for September in Taipei. LHCA member company representatives in Taiwan are invited to attend. Plus, the latest monthly trade data is now available. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 4th August 2020
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 recently signed two coalition letters -- one urging the Administration to extend tariff relief through its exclusion process, and the other requesting that Administration officials pursue an agreement with Mexico over a dispute concerning seasonal produce imports to avoid retaliation from the Mexican government. In the past, the U.S. hides, skins and leather industry has been a primary target of retaliation by foreign governments engaged in trade disputes with the U.S., even when those disputes have little direct connection to the industry. Plus, the "Real Leather. Stay Different." Global Student Design Competition is nearing its end in Taiwan, with an Award Ceremony to honor the talented finalists scheduled for September in Taipei. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Wednesday, 29th July 2020
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, China has purportedly instituted a new regulation requiring raw materials imports to undergo nucleic acid testing to determine the presence of COVID-19. LHCA is working to obtain more information about the requirement and its potential impact on U.S. hides and skins exports to China, though at this point, the requirement appears to mostly target food imports. Plus, the "Real Leather. Stay Different." Global Student Design Competition is nearing its end in Taiwan, with an Award Ceremony to honor the talented finalists scheduled for September in Taipei. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 21st July 2020
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. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 14th July 2020
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, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced 25% tariffs on leather handbags from France in retaliation for the country's Digital Services Tax scheme, though USTR intends to defer the duties for up to 180 days. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 7th July 2020
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 has received clarification from the U.S. government that U.S. exporters of hides, skins and leather are not required to send COVID-19 certifications with their shipments to China. LHCA continues to closely monitor developments in China and will share information as it emerges. Plus, LHCA announced that its in-person 2020 Annual Meeting will be cancelled, though a virtual event will be held in its place sometime in October. Also, the latest hides and skins export trade data through May 2020 is now available. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 23rd June 2020
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 is also following reports out of China, where certain importers are requiring documentation attesting that products shipped from the U.S. are not contaminated with COVID-19. LHCA is currently not hearing about any U.S. hides, skins or leather products that are subject to these documentation requirements. Plus, LHCA is seeking member input regarding how best to proceed with the Association's fall Annual Meeting. read more
Inaugural International Student Design Competition becomes annual event
Tuesday, 16th June 2020
The first ‘Real Leather. Stay Different.’ design competition was launched in 2020 to find the next generation of outstanding fashion and design students, and to promote the use of sustainably-sourced, natural leather. Organizer the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) has confirmed that beginning September 2020, the competition will become an annual event open to eligible universities and their student intake. This decision follows strong international interest in the competition before the advent of, and disruptions caused by, COVID 19. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 16th June 2020
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. Earlier today, LHCA announced that its popular and successful inaugural global student design competition will be held annually, thanks to strong international interest in the contest and support from partner leather organizations abroad. Plus, LHCA will hold its spring Board of Directors meeting this Wednesday, June 17, and non-Board members are welcome to participate as observers. Also, additional guidance is now available regarding the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which will enter into force in two weeks. read more