Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The physical market volume for raw bovine and equine hides and skins in the CIS grew from 270.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 315.7 thousand tons in 2023. This expansion was supported by a recovering cattle base, as rising beef exports encouraged herd rebuilding, and by 2023, cattle production in Russia had increased by 6.9%, supplying more raw hides. Strong demand for finished leather goods, particularly noted in 2021, further drove hide consumption.

Throughout the period, tanneries reported a persistent shortage of raw hides, indicating tight supply relative to demand. After 2022, geopolitical tensions and trade sanctions pressured export channels and contributed to a decline in the market's US dollar value, which fell from 235.5 million to 161.4 million, even as physical volumes continued to rise.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

Raw bovine and equine hides and skins production in the CIS has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 285.6 K t, marking a 1.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

CIS production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in monetary terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 147.4 M $ US, showing a significant drop of 14.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 19.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 240.9 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 28.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 31.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from CIS

Exports in kind, t

Raw bovine and equine hides and skins exports from the CIS declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 5 829 t, representing a dramatic contraction of 27.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 72%, with an annualized decline rate of 34.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Italy were the main markets for exports in kind, accounting for 25.5%, 21.5%, and 6.8% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 53.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Raw bovine and equine hides and skins export volumes from the CIS declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 3 009 K $ US, showing a decline of 39.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 80.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -42.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Italy, and Lithuania were the leading buyers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from the CIS in value terms, accounting for 23.9%, 18.9%, and 10.5% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to CIS

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, CIS imported a total of value_last_year t of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, equivalent to a rise of 71.2% year-over-year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 644 t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 44.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Argentina, France, and Estonia—together absorbed 3.1% of total imports in kind of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to the CIS.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The highest import value was recorded in 2017, with the lowest in 2019, reflecting a 5.3-fold gap. In 2020, raw bovine and equine hides and skins imports to the CIS came to 2 774 K $ US, reflecting a sharp advance of 88.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 474 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 60.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the portfolio of suppliers for raw bovine and equine hides and skins to the CIS was broad. France, Argentina, and Estonia contributed 3.3%, 2.5%, and 1.9% of imports in value terms, respectively, together accounting for only 7.7% of total imports. Many other countries had smaller but non-negligible shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to CIS in value, 2017-2020