Month: January 2023

31 January 2023 Economy – Argentina sees prices almost doubling last year Argentina saw prices almost double last year as the country’s annual inflation rate hit its highest level in more than thirty years.     It was the highest inflation rate since 1991 with the consumer price index closing the year at 94.8% with… Continue reading Economy – Argentina sees prices almost doubling last year

31 January 2023 Leather Working Group – Sustainably Driven: Leather Working Group’s Highlights of 2022 During 2022, Leather Working Group remained the largest and most active organization within the leather industry dedicated to continually improving responsible leather standards through sustainability initiatives and certification. With nearly 1,600 certified sites and over 300 engaged stakeholders, Leather Working… Continue reading Leather Working Group – Sustainably Driven: Leather Working Group’s Highlights of 2022

31 January 2023 United States of America – adidas merges North American operations Germany-based sportswear company has confirmed that it plans to merge both businesses as part of a major organisational change to boost efficiencies, reports ILM.     “We combine our teams in the United States and Canada to work most effectively and ensure… Continue reading United States of America – adidas merges North American operations

30 January 2023 Trade – Footwear protected in Ecuador-China FTA After ten months of negotiations involving representatives of the government and the business community, Ecuador will sign a trade agreement with China that includes protection for sensitive products. Within the framework of the agreement, which has the approval of the productive sectors, the footwear industry… Continue reading Trade – Footwear protected in Ecuador-China FTA

30 January 2023 Robotics – Labour saving efficiency by using HandyBot Spain’s Footwear Technology Centre (Inescop) is developing its HandyBot project. This is equipment that seeks to automate tasks in the production of footwear.     The new creation is a ‘robotic hand’ that could manipulate small objects such as insoles, soles, heels, uppers or… Continue reading Robotics – Labour saving efficiency by using HandyBot

30 January 2023 Trade – China’s zero-covid policy hits Colombian wet blue exports The zero-covid policy and the accompanying lockdowns imposed by Chinese authorities on industry has impacted the leather exports from Colombia to that country.     China’s tanning district in northern Hebei province was subject to the strict lockdown policy and, as a… Continue reading Trade – China’s zero-covid policy hits Colombian wet blue exports

27 January 2023 United Kingdom – Retail boost for Pittards A major UK retail group, Waitrose, has begun stocking leather gardening gloves made by Pittards, reports Leatherbiz. Waitrose has described the gloves as being made from specially tanned cowhide, supple from first use, with a large reinforced suede palm “to improve grip and resist wear… Continue reading United Kingdom – Retail boost for Pittards

27 January 2023 Footwear – Mexican footwear chambers unite to tackle mounting challenges Mexico’s footwear sector is facing several challenges this year. Among these are the growing number of illegal imports, the shortage of locally manufactured components, and the practices of chain stores and department stores when it comes to payment, credit and the imposition… Continue reading Footwear – Mexican footwear chambers unite to tackle mounting challenges

27 January 2023 Inspiramais begins in Brazil The 27th edition of Brazilian trade show Inspiramais has begun today, January 24, in Porto Alegre, reports ILM.     With more than 180 exhibitors in attendance, showcasing 1,000 new materials to visitors across the two days of the show, the organisers are expecting over 7,000 attendees. The… Continue reading Inspiramais begins in Brazil

26 January 2023 High-school students gain insight into Hermès craftsmanship Students from Bezons, 15 kilometres from Paris, spent two days at leathergoods brand Hermès in mid-January seeing how the company’s artisans work and gaining insight into leathergoods savoir-faire, writes Leatherbiz.     Three people with leading roles in Hermès’s in-house training programmes, Giulia Madonna, Maya… Continue reading High-school students gain insight into Hermès craftsmanship