Leather export ban: The Russian shoe industry federation RSKO has asked President Vladimir Putin to introduce a temporary ban on the export of raw hides and semi-finished products as they are in danger of running out. They are also concerned that the forthcoming 250% reduction in export duties is about to aggravate the situation, while they are also facing increased competition from abroad with the WTO stipulating that import duties on finished shoes be reduced from €2 to €1.25 for a pair of leather shoes. Izvestia