Reproduced in International Fur Association IFF
The Canadian wild leather market, which was hit hard by the epidemic, became more difficult after the outbreak of the Russian Ukrainian war, but Robin Horwath, head of the Canadian fur Association, believes that the worst days are over
Wild fur hunting dates back to 400 years ago, when the first indigenous people offered fur to European explorers. Today, thousands of Canadians, including indigenous people, are still active in this highly regulated industry. But few people can make a living entirely from this industry.
“This is the oldest profession in Canada,” said Ray gall, a 47 year old hunter. He is a municipal water worker. In his spare time, he hunts foxes, wolves and hyenas in the forest three hours north of Toronto. “No matter whether the market exists or not, the demand for hunters always exists.”.
“It is part of our cultural heritage and part of our lives. Factors such as the shortening of winter caused by climate change and the sharp decline in fur prices make hunting more and more difficult,” said Tom Borg, a 70 year old Aboriginal hunter.
There have been no Chinese buyers since the beginning of the epidemic, and now they have lost two important markets, Russia and Ukraine, because of the Russian Ukrainian war.
However, Robin Horwath, head of the Canadian fur Association and general manager of the Ontario Fur Association, is optimistic about the improvement. “After reaching the lowest point of the cycle, the current situation is stable…”.
Canada is the world’s largest producer of wild fur. In 2019-2020, about 415000 pieces of fur were sold, with a total value of C $13.8 million (US $11 million).
In the Beiwan fur auction house, 350 kilometers north of Toronto, brokers are busy with skin inspection before sales. Due to the impact of the epidemic, this is the third consecutive year to hold an online auction.
Howard trager, a fur trader from Montreal, said: “this is a luxury market, so in the event of a crisis, we will naturally be the first to be hit.”.
“But the fur industry has always existed. It is our oldest industry. In the past 400 years, it has risen and collapsed many, many times,” said Mark Downey of Beiwan auction.
“The withdrawal of Canadian geese from the fur trade… Is definitely a stain on this industry.” The company announced last year that it would soon stop using wolf skin on its windbreaker hats, which have been designed to keep Arctic explorers warm for 50 years. But Downey is confident that other manufacturers will fill the “gap” left by the Canadian company.
The fur industry will also have to deal with the lack of access to Ukraine and Russia, the world’s second-largest fur market, but the target of economic sanctions by Canada and its allies.
Downey explained: “the war between Ukraine and Russia is a huge obstacle. The fur products of big buyers from Greece, Italy and Turkey have to be sold to these two countries affected by the war and sanctions”.
“But the wild skin market will pick up again,” Downey believes. “The demand is huge, especially in Asia.”.
Post time: Apr-26-2022