Which Is The Most Major Industry After Cotton And Textiles In Pakistan?

After cotton and textiles, leather has emerged as a major industry in Pakistan. Leather production caters to the entire domestic demand and the country also exports a large quantity. In recent years the value latter exports was approximately US $ 600 million. Important leather manufacturing centers are located in Karachi and Lahore. Karachi has 80% of the total leather producing industry. In the informal manufacturing sector, numerous cottage industries produce leather with almost no machines. Hyderabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Kasur, Sheihkupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Peshawer have many leather production units.

Chrome tanned leather is produced through modern scientific methods. As compared to vegetable tanned leather, chrome tanned leather is more flexible, softer, durable, and does not scratch, scuff or tear easily. The hides of calf, sheep, lamb and goat are lightweight and are more suited for chrome tanning. During the process, special qualities can be added to the leather as required. More than 90% of the world's output of leather is now chrome tanned. Suede leather is produced from lambskin, sheepskin and split cattle hides. Suede leather is mostly used for garments, shoes and bags. Washable leather has been developed for shoes, gloves and garments. 55% of leather exports consist of finished products, with the volume of exports fluctuating according to government policy. The main exporters are South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Germany, UK, France, Japan and Australia.