Leather industry exports remain first among light industry

Home>>Business

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, February 07, 2004

Leather industry exports remain first among light industry

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The export volume of China's leather industry reached 23.2 billion US dollars in 2003, up 19 percent over the previous year, said an official with the State Development and Reform Commission (SDRC) Friday.

The export volume took up 20.5 percent of the total export volume of the light industry in 2003, staying at the first place for the third consecutive year, said Niu Jianguo, vice director of the SDRC economic operation department.

Statistics show that China possesses the most leather resources and produces the most leather products in the world, including half of the world's leather shoes. So far, there are 16,000 relatively big enterprises engaged in the industry in China.

Niu also pointed out problems of the industry, including over-investment, lack of internationally famous brands and disorderly competition.

About 58 percent of leather shoes exported in 2003 were for processing trade, while those "made in China" for general trade only took up 30.9 percent, he said.

Besides, the unit price of leather products is dropping despite increasing export volume, mainly because many enterprises compete with each other by lowering prices, he said.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Chinese Farmers Exploit International Leather Market

China, Wi-Fi fight for WLAN standard ( 4 Messages)

US visa rules anger students ( 13 Messages)

Beijing to build two new Christian churches ( 4 Messages)

Australian PM appalled at attack on Chinese restaurants ( 8 Messages)

China concerned about Japan dispatching troops to Iraq: FM spokeswoman ( 3 Messages)