The U.S. Hide, Skin & Leather Association (USHSLA) is the exclusive representative of the hides and skin industry in the United States. Member companies include meat packers, hide processors, brokers, dealers and exporters. It is a Washington D.C. based association that helps the industry explore market opportunities and maintain and further expand market share of U.S. skins and hides.
The association regularly organizes industry events for members, such as the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) in Shanghai and the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) in Hong Kong. Both events enable exporters to network and meet new buyers as well as maintain existing relationships.
USHSLA recently translated their industry Standards Governing the Export of North American Cattle Hides into Chinese. This initiative helps local manufacturers and traders better understand U.S standards and thereby mitigate misunderstandings.
The Leather Industries of America (LIA) has represented American tanners and suppliers since 1917. The association provides various services for its members including environmental, technical and marketing support. However, demand for U.S. finished leather is limited in China, because of its higher price.
To further promote U.S. exports, these industry associations are strongly urged to consider organizing more trade seminars to further educate local tanneries and leather product manufacturers about the merits of using U.S. leather while paying a higher premium.
At the same time PR initiatives are needed to further promote U.S. leather’s image to cultivate consumer preference towards U.S. origin hides.
By approaching Chinese buyers in a unified way, producers build a solid platform for promoting U.S. hides as the better product of choice.