Leather Tanning and Finishing Workers

Suppliers of leather and leather goods from most developing countries have substantial cost advantage over U.S. producers because they pay much lower wages. U.S. imports of leather and leather goods have increased, leading to tannery closures and movement of tanneries to the developing countries. Employment of leather workers generally is expected to decline through the next decade, primarily because of the growing number of imported shoes and leather goods that have displaced domestic production. Technically skilled workers should be able to secure jobs, though they will compete for far fewer positions.