Skin prices of animals hit rock bottom

Experts say there has also been a decline of 15% in sacrifice

LAHORE: Experts estimate that animal sacrifice has reduced by as much as 15% due to the exorbitant prices of goats and sheep in cattle markets across the country, The Express Tribune learnt on Monday.

Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) Vice Chairman Muhammad Tayyab said swelling prices of small animals compelled citizens to opt for collective sacrifice. Statistics of the hide trade on Eidul Azha show this trend has been getting popularity across the country, especially in urban centres.



Numbers suggest an increase (10-15%) in the sacrifice of big animals such as bulls, oxen and camel. He continues that the inflated prices of small animals mean their purchase is not beyond the reach of many.

The PTA chairman also highlights that prices of goat and sheep hides have fallen in skin markets across Punjab. Hides of goats and sheep are being traded at Rs125 to 150 per skin, while cow hide prices are fluctuating between Rs2,000 to Rs2,100 per skin. Tayyab states rates are showing a “depressing trend” for the last few years owing due to the reduced demand of leather products in developed countries.

He points that leather goods mainly use sheep and goat skin, especially for products such as jackets. However, garments such as these are out of fashion in Europe, America, Russia and other countries these days. Several artificial subtitles have taken their place and caused great a depression for the leather industry in developing countries.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a trader of the Lahore hides and skin market, Haji Muhammad, says the leather industry in the country is facing great competition as low-cost Chinese syenthic products have taken over international markets.

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He also highlights that demand of goat and sheep hides is very limited as a result of this emerging trend.

“We were buying goat and sheep hides for Rs600 to Rs1,000 per skin some five years ago. Now the same is being traded for Rs100 to Rs150 which was the price some three decades ago,” he indicates.

Responding to a question, he adds trading activity is still underway in hide markets across the country, while estimates suggest around six million animals have been slaughtered during the three days of Eidul Azha.

A representative of a local charity organisation, Muhammad Ismail, underlines the price of hides and skins have hit rock bottom in markets. “Except labour, there is hardly any margin left for hide collectors, especially those of small animals.

You see, most organisations collect hides from citizens’ doorsteps after paying handling and transport expenses.” He adds that few entities are able to generate enough money to pass on to charity, with the exception of bigger organisations such as Shaukat Khanum or Jamat-e-Islami which make some margin on volume.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2017.