Alan D. Jackson: Customers still have stock

Durban, KZN, SA - Morgan Naidoo, member of leather indent agent Alan D. Jackson, which has principals in Brazil, India and Pakistan, said most of his customers still had stocks of leather.

He said the global drop in hide prices had seen the prices for Brazilian leather drop from US$2.45-2.50/ft² to $2.10, "which is a significant difference", but he said the Rand's fall meant that the landed price was very close to local leathers.

"Customers who know the quality of the Brazilian leather will still buy it," he said, "but certainly business is very difficult right now."

Alan D. Jackson sells only leather, but he said he would consider importing other footwear components.