The Canadian fur market has taken a hit because of mild winters in Europe and China.
Prices for mink, sable, marten and beaver are down 30 to 60 per cent from a year ago.
Nevertheless, Manager for Western Canadian Sales at North American Fur Auctions Dave Bewick says he is not worried.
Fur fashion is on the rise, especially overseas, he says.
“Fur is very fashionable right now and that is nothing we have to worry about,” he says.
The fur trade is international, so what happens in other parts of the world has an impact on how much Saskatchewan trappers get for their pelts.
Unusually warm winters in Russia and China have put a damper on international demand.
Bewick says weather conditions overseas had a major effect on prices during a recent auction in February.
“The season started off with a warm fall, a warmer winter than we had a year ago and retail sales did not really get going until late in the season.”
Bewick adds there are other factors influencing pricing including a government investigation in China.
“There are some internal problems in China right now with the government and there are some investigations going on and that has kept China out of our auction rooms as well.”
On the upside, Korea is coming on strong with muskrat belts in big demand and prices up from a year ago.
The next major fur auction will be held in mid-May and Bewick says he expects prices to hold steady.
Demand for wild fur, the type harvested in Saskatchewan, is still very strong, he adds.
“It’s because it is unique and it is very versatile. You can do a lot with wild fur and with the dressing techniques they have today you can do a lot more with wild fur than you could 15 or 20 years ago.”
North American Fur Auctions serves as an international clearinghouse for the fur industry.
It sells the furs at world prices and charges about an 11 per cent commission for its services.