Leather clothes

Leather clothes exports from China have been decreasing over the past couple of years and are expected to continue declining through 2007. In spite of this, the country continues to lead global exports of the product. According to statistics from the United Nations, China manufacturers of leather clothes captured a 64 percent share of world leather clothes exports in 2005. Decreasing overseas shipments, however, are resulting in consolidation of the industry and a shift to other markets and product lines. In the first eight months of 2006, leather clothes exports from the country dropped 24 percent to US$1 billion and 21 percent to 28 million pieces, compared with shipments made in the previous corresponding period. Exports are anticipated to continue falling by at least 10 percent in 2007.