Moscow returns to Istanbul and the leather area doubles its export and raises its prices

While the Italian footwear sector continues to suffer the sanctions against Moscow, Turkey is back to export to Russia and sees an increase in confidence for 2017. According to Senocak Mustafa, president of the association that brings together exporters of leather and accessories in Istanbul leather, exports to Russia fell from 440 million dollars to 90 million dollars in the last two years, causing the closure of many companies in the sector. “Currently we are seeing a slow recovery in the sector. Russian customers are starting again to import from the district of Zeytinburnu, while Turkish companies are again investing in the Moscow market. In 2017 we could increase our exports to Russia reaching $200 million. “An increase that could revive an industry that, in the last two years, has diversified the markets and in, some cases, succeeded: US + 22%, Germany + 6%, France 7%. Senocak also responded to criticism received by the Turks for the increase of the price lists: “Corporate investment to improve the design of the products have been increased. This created a higher price range which was different from the usual we used to charge. Today, the average price of a good quality leather jacket should be about $200.”