Jagaran Chakma

The once cheery demeanour of leather goods and footwear exporters has turned into one of depression as shipments declined 22 per cent in the just-concluded fiscal year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The export of various leather products fetched about $998 million in fiscal 2019-20, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

Of the country’s total exports, leather footwear earned $779 million while other leather goods accounted for $221 million and rawhide sales $98.31 million.

According to the manufacturers, the leather goods industry has been severely impacted by the slump in sales at home and abroad brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.