Raw materials
he US hide market had cleared its oversupply of some selections since the start of February and looked to be on a stronger footing. By the end of March, however, the picture was not so rosy. Export sales were far from good, customers were generally reluctant to buy and with regard to wet-blue, supplies were still plentiful and prices low.
The price of heavy Texas steers improved in February, with seasonal weights rising to $26 where they remained through March. Colorados also increased in price with 62/64lb selections selling at $25–$26 at the end of March. Interest in hides within the automotive sector picked up a little and prices did improve, although buyers were resistant to higher levels. Heavy native steers ended the first quarter at $35. In the last Leather International report, it was noted that Holsteins were one of bright spots at the start of the year; by March, their
USDA export sales 1,250,000 –
1,000,000 – 750,000 – 500,000 – 250,000 – 0 – 0 10
20304050 Weeks
Leather International /
www.leathermag.com 19
View from the US T
By Vera Dordick
good sales had waned. Poor demand for upholstery squashed any good interest for dairy cows and prices started to sink by the end of the month.
Export figures In February, rawhide sales averaged 429,525 weekly, a 5% increase from the average in January and 12% higher than February last year. In fact, it was the highest average for the month since 2013. Weekly rawhide shipments averaged 448,300, 11% more than January’s average and 20% higher than February 2022. Weekly wet-blue sales averaged 122,525 in February, 18% higher than January and 48% higher than February 2022. Weekly wet-blue shipments averaged 150,250, a 50% increase from the January average. It is also 43% higher than the February 2022 average.
2023 2022
Total
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