US fur imports in steep decline

SANDY PARKER REPORT, VOL. 30, ISSUE 37, NOV. 20, 2006
The following extract is reproduced with permission from Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for more than four decades. For most of that time he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing results of international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements in the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.
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International Fur News
with Sandy Parker
US fur imports in steep decline
IMPORTS OF FUR APPAREL INTO THE U.S. continued their steep downward path in September, reflecting reduced purchases at this year’s international fairs. According to the latest Commerce Dept. figures, imports from all sources dropped more than 24%, roughly the same as the declines in the three previous months. This is the period of the year in which imports are usually the heaviest, so that the small gains registered in the first quarter have been more than wiped out.
THE STRONGEST LEGISLATION YET TO PROTECT ANIMAL-RELATED BUSINESSES from terrorism was passed by the House of Representatives last week; the measure, identical to that already approved by the Senate, is now at the White House where the President’s signature is expected. Known as the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, it will broaden the powers of the Justice Dept. to combat eco-terrorism. It also expands the scope of existing laws to include fur retailers; addresses the intimidation of secondary and tertiary targets associated with animal enterprises; further increases the monetary penalties and prison terms, and provides other prosecutorial tools.
The measure’s sponsors pointed out that current federal law protecting animal enterprises has proven to be reasonably effective in protecting those enterprises. However, the legislators were told, serious gaps and loopholes have been identified with respect to protecting employees and associates. While present law protects employees, it has been found that employees, board members and family members are being stalked, harassed, intimidated or threatened, with some even being physically assaulted and their homes, businesses or cars vandalized. Since the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Law was enacted in 1992, there have been 1,100 complaints of such incidents, with property losses reported as more than $120 million.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Stronger Anti-Terror Law OK’d
Coverage Extended Beyond Firms
Will Also Ban Harassment, Threats
Stiffer Penalties Are Provided
U.S. Imports in Steep Decline
For extracts from back issues of Sandy Parker Reports see News Index. Subscribers can access an archive of complete issues at www.sandyparker.com.
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