A Survey of Palestinian Industry: Leather Goods, Furs, & Wood Production in Palestine before 1948 (Nakba), British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume I - Page 529. Chapter XIII: Section 4

CHAPTER XIII.

153. As the raw material constitutes only 40%-45% of the value of the finished product, diamond cutting and polishing figures among those industries where the value added by local labour is relatively high. Expansion of the labour force tapered off in 1943, but production and export continued to rise steeply principally to U.S.A. Canada and India. The recent negotiations between the Palestinian manufacturers and the Diamond Syndicate point to the likelihood that the industry will be consolidated approximately at its present level, although it is probable that the hitherto high rates of profits and wages may undergo reduction.

VI. LEATHER GOODS AND FURS.

154. The volume of bides tanned in Palestine has risen from 400 tons in 1939 to 3 ,500 tons in 1943. Production was located in some 50 tanneries, equally divided among Jews and Arabs. Both sole leather and chrome-tanned uppers were produced and furnished the bulk of the raw material utilized by local industry. The accompanying expansion in the production of footwear was to some degree stimulated by Service demands. Factories engaging more than three persons (omitting cobblers) in 1944 produced 1,430,000 pairs of shoes and 755,000 pairs of sandals. Even though the quality as well as the quantity have shown marked improvement during the war, it is questionable whether the former has attained a standard which would enable it entirely to replace imported footwear in the post-war period. It should, however, be mentioned that the quality of the hides and tanning materials supplied to the industry during the war was of a low grade. The fancy leather goods industry, on the other hand, should be able to maintain and extend the markets that have been gained as the articles are of a very high quality. Exports have included handbags, purses, wallets, belts, brief cases, gloves, suitcases and leather bands for hats and in 1944 amounted to £P.115,000.

155. The fur industry which has made rapid progress in recent years may be able to retain its present contacts in the Middle East and even acquire export markets further afield.

VII. Wood PRODUCTS.

156. It is estimated that in 1942 the total value of forest products amounted to £P.500,000 in comparison with £P.100,000 in 1939; the number of workers in the wood-working establishments rose from 1,360 in 1939 to 2,500 in 1943. Of the latter about 1,800 were Jewish and 700 were Arabs. The main items manufactured are doors, windows, cupboards, household furniture, handles, hammers, wheels, plywood, veneer and boxes. The construction of

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