Press Releases and Latest Industry Information
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 7th April 2020
The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) continues to monitor developments related to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is available to support members navigating this rapidly evolving situation. LHCA is also seeking stories from members that are making a positive contribution to help COVID-19 relief efforts. Additionally, LHCA is considering postponing or cancelling its Spring Board of Directors teleconference meeting, originally slated for later this month, and is requesting member feedback to inform the decision. Plus, February 2020 hides and skins export data is now available. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 31st March 2020
LHCA continues to monitor developments related to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is available to support members navigating this rapidly evolving situation. Also, LHCA President Stephen Sothmann joined Farm to Fork to discuss the sustainability of real leather. In addition, LHCA signed onto two transportation-related letters requesting flexibility during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure essential shipments continue to be delivered across the country. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 24th March 2020
As more states issue stay-at-home orders and move to close "non-essential" businesses to help curb the spread of Covid-19, the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) is closely monitoring developments related to these guidelines and is working to collect as much information as possible to assist members. We provided general information in the Industry Updates section below, but we continue to encourage members to communicate with their local and state authorities for clarification regarding the implications of a directive for their operations. LHCA is available to support members as they navigate this process. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 17th March 2020
As a result of growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) staff will be working remotely until further notice. We are committed to working on your behalf during this time and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Please stay safe and take necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of those around you. read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 10th March 2020
The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) is reminding members that China's Ministry of Finance on March 2 began accepting tariff exclusion requests on nearly 700 U.S. product imports, including raw cattle hides that represent the majority of U.S. hides exports to China. We're hearing that many Chinese tanners have applied for, and have received, exemption from the tariffs. Plus, January 2020 export data is now available. Also, LHCA is providing resources to help members navigate concerns regarding coronavirus (Covid-19). read more
Leather and Hide Weekly
Tuesday, 3rd March 2020
The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) last week released an infographic that shines a light on the environmental costs of using synthetics, made mostly from plastics and other non-renewable sources, as opposed to real leather in finished consumer goods. The infographic has been shared widely on social media, with international leather associations and with domestic and international media. We encourage you to share the infographic with your networks as well. As a reminder, China's Ministry of Finance on March 2 began accepting tariff exclusion requests on nearly 700 U.S. product imports, including raw cattle hides that represent the majority of U.S. hides exports to China. Plus, LHCA has brought its Real Leather. Stay Different. global design competition to the UK. read more
Real Leather is the Sustainable Choice
Wednesday, 26th February 2020
Leather has been a preferred material for millennia because of its durability, versatility and beauty. But today’s environmentally-conscious consumers have another reason to embrace leather: it is a natural material that is more sustainable than its synthetic imitations. A new infographic from the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) shines a light on the environmental costs of using synthetics, mostly made from plastics and other non-renewable sources, as opposed to real leather in finished consumer goods. read more
China’s Young Fashion Designers Step-up a Gear in International Competition
Monday, 13th January 2020
US-sponsored leather design competition attracts entries from hundreds of students. China Leather Industry Association leads way as Chinese colleges fashion their future. US sponsors look to promote the materials and the individuality that will drive ‘slow’ fashion read more
Leather and Hide Council of America Officially Launched
Monday, 6th January 2020
Effective January 1, 2020, the Leather Industries of America (LIA) and the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) joined forces, launching the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA), a new, stronger industry association for the U.S. leather sector that combines the membership, expertise and resources of its predecessor organizations. With the formation of LHCA, the U.S. leather industry is better positioned to be a leader in the global leather sector with one collective voice. read more
‘Real Leather. Stay Different.’ Design Competition Kicks Off in Taiwan
Monday, 2nd December 2019
Global competition celebrates the versatility, beauty and sustainability of U.S. hides and leather. read more