Iranian Rawhide

Iranian Rawhide: A Valuable Raw Material for the Global Leather Industry

Iranian rawhide is recognized globally as one of the most valuable raw materials in the leather industry, distinguished by its premium quality, exceptional variety, and competitive pricing. Sourced from healthy livestock—cattle, sheep, and goats—from breeds such as Iranian cows, sheep, and goats, this product undergoes proper processing and meets international standards. It is used as the primary raw material for luxury leather goods, furniture, footwear, bags, and garments in key export markets. Iranian rawhide is available in several types: full and half bovine hides, sheepskins (with and without fleece), and goatskins. Featuring uniform thickness, no cuts or tears, and correctly salted preservation, it fully meets the requirements of advanced leather industries.

The high quality of this raw material results from several factors: livestock raised on Iran’s natural pastures, rapid processing immediately after slaughter to prevent decay, and a combination of traditional and modern techniques to preserve fiber integrity. Compared with foreign rawhides (for example, Indian or Pakistani), Iranian hides offer low residual fat content, a uniform natural color, and excellent flexibility, making them ideal for producing soft, durable leather. Additionally, a wide range of packaging options (50 kg to 1 ton bales) and certifications such as HALAL, ISO 22000, and approval from the Iranian Veterinary Organization have earned buyers’ trust. Iranian rawhide also finds application in fashion apparel, as well as in medical and industrial leather products.

Iranian Rawhide: The Hidden Gold of the Global Leather Industry

The export of Iranian rawhide is one of Iran’s most thriving trade sectors, playing a crucial role in supplying leather industries in neighboring and non-regional countries. This product—mainly sourced from major livestock provinces such as Azerbaijan, Khorasan, and Fars—is exported to more than 15 countries, including Iraq, Turkey, the UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, China, and Russia.

Unique Features of Iranian Rawhide

• Fiber Quality & Thickness: Iranian cowhides, with a thickness of 1.5–2.5 mm, are among the strongest, resistant to tearing and abrasion—perfect for furniture leather and sports footwear.

• Proper Salting: Immediate salting after skinning prevents microbial spoilage and preserves natural moisture.

• Livestock Variety: Sheepskins with soft, delicate texture are ideal for gloves and luxury apparel; goatskins, with natural grain patterns, are used in upholstery.

• International Certificates: HALAL for Islamic markets and environmental/health standards enhance competitiveness against European products.

Target Export Markets & Key Opportunities

• Turkey: As the Middle East’s leather hub, Turkey imports over 50,000 tons of Iranian rawhide annually. Iranian cowhides are favored because they are compatible with advanced Turkish tanning facilities.

• China & Russia: China’s rising demand for industrial leather and Russia’s need for high-quality hides for luxury goods present strong export potential.

• UAE & Oman: High-end leather brands in Dubai and Sharjah require uniform, flawless hides; Iranian sheepskins—especially salted—are top choices due to their affordability.

• Iraq & Afghanistan: Close borders and low transport costs make these countries steady customers. Iraq’s growing demand for leather in footwear and bags has increased Iranian exports by 30%.

Competitive Advantages Over Global Rivals

Compared to hides from India, Pakistan, or Brazil, Iranian rawhide stands out in several aspects:

1. Competitive Pricing: Lower production costs and abundant livestock result in prices up to 25 % cheaper than foreign alternatives.

2. Uniform Quality: Strict salting controls prevent spots or odors, ensuring consistently high leather quality.

3. Reliable Supply: With over 80 million head of livestock, Iran can supply large volumes of rawhide without market fluctuations.

Production Process & Quality Control Standards

All steps follow global standards:

1. Healthy Animal Selection: Livestock health and breed are verified by veterinarians.

2. Skinning & Cleaning: Mechanized removal and immediate cleaning prevent contamination.

3. Salting & Storage: Hides are salted for 24 hours in industrial-grade salt, then stored in cool, dry, climate-controlled warehouses.

4. Packaging & Shipping: After final drying, hides are palletized or vacuum-packed and shipped to destination markets.

Conclusion

With a combination of global quality, exceptional pricing, and wide variety, Iranian rawhide has become one of Iran’s most sought-after export products. Iran Store—as a trusted link for importers—provides direct access to top Iranian producers, technical consultation, and competitive price quotes. To receive hide samples, technical catalogs, or shipping details, contact our sales team via the Iran Store website today. Choose Iran Store and gain a reliable partner for sourcing high-quality raw materials for your leather industry.