Leather: global mapping of the sector in 2014

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Feb 26, 2015

The French National Council of Leather (CNC) used the Première Vision Leather trade show as an opportunity to publish a report profiling the global leather market with regards to both import and export as well as the industry’s various sectors. An essential document for any professional involved in the industry.

Not surprisingly, in 2014 China was the leather industry’s largest exporter (40.9% market share), followed by Italy (11.1%), Vietnam (6.8%), France (4%) and India (3.2%). In terms of purchasing, the US was at the top (18.7%), followed by Hong Kong (6.8%), Germany (6.7%), Italy (6, 4%), Japan (5.7%) and France (5.6%). 

As far as imports and exports of prepared leather goes, the greatest activity was seen, as might be expected, in the Asia Pacific zone, which concentrates 60% of the global production. A large portion of products was destined for Europe (22% of the global production) and the US (20%), while 17% remained in the region. It also appears that of the 33% of global production stemming from Europe, some 23% remained in the European market.

Among the document’s many other findings, it appears that China remains the world's largest exporter of leather footwear (46.4% market share), leather goods (52.6%), apparel/accessories (32.2%), and leather/hides (40.6%). It is only in the import of products from tanneries that China appears to have been surpassed by Italy (21.8%), Brazil (10.9%), India (6.1 %), South Korea (4.7%) and the US (4.7%). 

In terms of importers, the United States was at the top for apparel/accessories (20.9%), leather goods (20.3%), and footwear (22.3%), while China dominated the tannery production (18.7%) and leather /hides (40.6%).