RAJSHAHI, June 2: The rawhide market in Rajshahi has plunged sharply after Eid-ul-Azha, with traders alleging that government-fixed prices remain largely ineffective in the field despite ongoing collection and preservation activities.
Across Rajshahi City and surrounding upazilas, seasonal traders and wholesalers are actively collecting, salting and storing raw cattle hides following Eid. However, traders say the market is facing severe price pressure, leaving many unable to sell rawhides at the official rates.
According to traders, rawhides were sold at Tk 300 to Tk 600 in different areas of Rajshahi after Eid, with some reports of even lower prices. A few years ago, similar hides were sold at Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,500, they said, highlighting a significant decline in market value.
The sharp fall has hit seasonal collectors and small traders hardest, many of whom say their investment in purchasing, salting and transporting hides is no longer being recovered.
The Ministry of Commerce has fixed prices for salted cattle hides outside Dhaka at Tk 52 to Tk 56 per square foot, while goat hides have been priced at Tk 20 to Tk 25 per square foot. However, traders allege that these rates are not being reflected in actual market transactions due to weak monitoring and enforcement.
They also said small traders remain dependent on large wholesalers and tanneries, which limits their ability to negotiate fair prices.
At the Leather Traders' Association office near Rajshahi's Railgate area, traders said rising costs of salt, labour and transport have further squeezed their margins. Many are now reluctant to purchase hides, fearing further losses, which has led to a slowdown in market activity.
"Buying and preserving hides now costs a lot, but we are not getting prices that cover our expenses. If the government-fixed prices are not implemented properly, it will be difficult to sustain this business," said trader Titu Islam.
Another trader, Asadul Ali, said the market has turned sluggish compared to previous years. "Earlier, Eid meant good profits. Now many traders are avoiding purchases due to fear of losses," he said.
Rajshahi District Leather Traders' Association president Lutfur Rahman said the market remains weak this season, with cattle hides currently being traded between Tk 200 and Tk 600 depending on quality.
He said a large number of seasonal traders are still holding unsold hides, and the overall market situation is expected to become clearer in the coming days as more stock reaches wholesale hubs.
He stressed the need for strict enforcement of government-fixed prices and better coordination among tannery owners, wholesalers and seasonal traders to stabilise the market.
Meanwhile, authorities said surveillance has been strengthened to prevent smuggling of hides through border areas during the Eid period.
Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam said necessary instructions were issued in advance and relevant stakeholders were trained to prevent irregularities.
He added that no reports of hide smuggling have been received so far, and that the administration alongside law-enforcement agencies remains vigilant.
