As part of the strategic direction EFLC and SAFLEC want to embark on, Martin Cameron from Trade advisory, has been doing a study of the past 5 years of export of footwear and leather products from South Africa per HS Code. The study also includes the import of the various HS codes into the global market to identify gap markets for access when assessed against the capability of South African Manufacturing. Through the EFLC program, we have a set number of interactive sessions to empower industry with this knowledge. The aim is that this information would better orientate industry and lead to assisting companies to plan their strategic directions armed with statistics and information. The first session was held this past month with 17 companies in attendance, majority SMMEs and emerging, all interested in exporting. Takalani Rathiyaya from eThekwini EDU was in attendance and addressed attendees on the eThekwini DSM Reports. DSM reports are reports and a service access via the eThekwini collaborative relationship for industry especially when statistics are required on a specific HS code and its export/or import tracking globally.
 

On 4^th August SAFLEC and EFLC held its AGM and Networking Event collaboratively on a shared resource basis. It was the first physical meeting since Covid and well attended by stakeholders. We welcomed Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, who attended to show her support for the sector.  
SAFLEC and eThekwini announced the new board for the next financial year, as well as the Chair and Vice Chair as listed below.

The exports and transit exports into Africa was highlighted at the AGM and special mention made to the potential to grow exports into Africa. This was well received by those in attendance.

China Exports
Data from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology indicates a steady growth in the leather industry in the first half of 2022
From January to June of the current year, the combined operating revenue of major manufacturers of leather, fur, and related products, as well as footwear (companies with annual revenues of 20 million yuan and above) amounted to 551.12 billion yuan (approximately 82 billion US dollars). This figure reflects an increase of 6.5%, as compared to the same period of last year.
 
The information provided by the Ministry also shows that Chinese companies in the sector accumulated 24.97 billion yuan of profits, down by 0.8% year-over-year.
 
Exports
According to the China Leather Industry Association, in the first seven months of 2022, Chinese leather exports increased by 29.6%, on a comparable basis to the same period of the prior year, reaching 60.51 billion US dollars. Leather exports accounted for 2.93% of the total national exported. Simultaneously, the total import value declined by 10.5% year-on-year, totalling 10.27 billion US dollars, and representing 0.65% of the total value imported.
 
The trade surplus recorded from January to July has then reached 50.24 billion US dollars, up by 42.7% on a comparable basis to the same period of 2021, accounting for 10.42% of the total Chinese trade surplus. 
 
 
Vietnam growing exports and taking market share from China
Vietnam exported footwear and leather products amounting to $14 billion between January and July 2022, recording an annual increase of 13 per cent, according to Vietnam Leather Footwear and Handbag Industry. Exports revenue from North America grew by 24 per cent and that from European Union (EU) grew by 17.5 per cent in the first 7 months of 2022.

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