Turkey’s State Statistics Institute reports that Turkey exported raw hides and skins, and leather, worth US$53.4 million in the first five months of this year, compared with US$46.9 million in the same period in 2007. Turkish imports of the same types of commodities in January to May period this year were worth US$243 million, as against US$257 million in the corresponding period in 2007.

Production of leather and leather products in Turkey in May was 16.1% lower than in May 2007. In comparison, industrial output in Turkey in May was 2.4% higher year-on-year.