TFL Appoints New Head of Business Development & Ethiopia Earns $10.5 Million From Leather Industry Exports

Gruppo Mastrotto Secures €25 Million ESG-Linked Loan | How Borno State in Nigeria is Reviving Its Economy Through Leather Industry Transformation

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Arshad Leathernews.org
January 12, 2025

Good Morning & Welcome to our weekly newsletter! Here, we bring you the entire week's global news, insights, market research & analysis, expert insights and facts from the global "leather, footwear, and leather goods" industry.

In a simplified and easy-to-understand manner, saving you time while keeping you informed & updated under 5 minutes every Sunday at 11am.

In case you missed it, here’s a look at what happened in the Global Leather, Footwear & Leather Goods Industry last week.

LEATHER INDUSTRY NEWS

Gruppo Mastrotto has secured a €25 million ESG-linked loan from Crédit Agricole Italia to boost sustainability. Key projects include expanding Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) across products and recovering organic byproducts for eco-friendly use.

TFL Appoints Dr Volker Rabe as New Head of Business Development and Industry Relations

TFL has announced Dr. Volker Rabe as the new Head of New Business Development and Industry Relations, following Dr. Dietrich Tegtmeyer's retirement on October 1, 2024. Dr. Rabe brings both tradition and expertise to the role his family ran a tannery for over 130 years! With a PhD in Chemistry and over a decade at TFL, he's set to drive innovation and sustainability.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, is taking decisive steps to boost the leather industry and drive economic growth. During a meeting with NILEST's Director General, Governor Zulum announced plans to revive the long-abandoned Neitel Shoes Company and upgrade the Maiduguri Extension Centre to a Regional Hub for leather activities across six Northeastern states. He has also sent 60 youths for specialized leather training in Zaria. This initiative aims to create jobs, build skills, and attract investment to the region.

The much-awaited 6th edition of DILEX is scheduled for February 20-21, 2025, at Yashobhoomi (IICC), New Delhi. Organized by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) with government support, this event will feature 200 Indian exhibitors and attract 225-250 global buyers from Europe, the USA, UAE, and Australia. Exhibitors will showcase leather footwear, garments, accessories, and more. CLE offers startups booths for just Rs.31,000 + GST. Don't miss this chance to expand globally

Facing mounting challenges, the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) met with Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal to push for major policy reforms. PTA Chairman Hamid Zahur stressed the need to restore the zero-rated tax regime and improve cash flow by expediting pending refunds. The PTA also urged for better trade agreements with South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh to boost exports. With plans to grow exports to $2B by 2029, the PTA is gearing up for the Pakistan Mega Leather Show in January 2025.

Ethiopia's leather industry is making waves! In just five months, it generated an impressive US$10.5 million in foreign exchange revenue. Thanks to strategic efforts in quality improvement, branding, and market connections, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a global leather player.

FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY NEWS

Trade groups like the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) are urging President-elect Donald Trump to crack down on counterfeit goods. Their joint letter highlights the need for stricter enforcement of intellectual property laws and support for the SHOP SAFE Act, targeting fake products on e-commerce platforms.

Wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles have forced several local retailers to shut their doors. Footwear brands like Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) and Soles4Souls are stepping up to provide relief. APL is donating shoes to those affected, while the Two Ten Footwear Foundation is offering financial aid to displaced industry employees.

LEATHER GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS

For over 40 years, Kashmir's leather artisans have been known for their exceptional craftsmanship. However, the rise of cheap Chinese imports made from synthetic materials has left them struggling. Once sold for ₹5000 ($60), leather jackets now face competition from cheaper alternatives priced at ₹3000 ($35). The demand for authentic leather goods has sharply dropped, forcing nearly 2,000 workers to abandon the trade. Despite efforts to gain government support, artisans say they’ve received little help. Without financial backing or protection against cheap imports, the industry’s future looks uncertain.

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Written & Published by Arshad | Leathernews.org

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