A little known export of the Dominican is animal hides. Over the last two years US$4.2 million were generated through exports. According to data from the Center for Exports and Investments (CEI-RD), in 2003 the country exported 4.5 million kilos of beef hides, both raw and cured, and this brought in US$2.5million. In 2004, exports were about the same volume, but income was only US$1.7 million. Italy and Mexico are the main clients, but hides are being exported to the United States, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Spain among others. Two types of hides are exported: an industrial hide that is prepared by machines and a “country” hide that is taken off the animal by knives. Industrial hides bring better prices. According to William Salazar, the more care that is taken in the preparation of the hides, the better the price. Certain conditions have to be met in order to export hides, and these include a curing process that has to last for at least 15 days, and the total control of parasites.