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This Week's News from the Global Leather, Footwear & Leather Goods Industry
Chinese Leather Industry Reports $35 Billion in Exports in First 5 Months of 2025 With 8.6% Decline | How Tanneries in Tamil Nadu Are Polluting a Lifeline River and Threatening Lives | Chanel Invests in Italian Leather Maker Conceria Nuova Impala & more
Good morning & Welcome to our weekly newsletter! Here, we bring you the entire week's news, insights, market research, analysis, expert insights & 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
China’s leather industry saw mixed performance from Jan–May 2025: overall sales rose 0.1%, but exports dropped 8.6%. Tanning, footwear, and bags faced declines, while leather garments led domestic growth with a 12.3% rise in sales revenue.
Tamil Nadu’s leather industry, with 449+ tanneries, is polluting the Palar River by releasing 20 million litres of wastewater daily. Despite treatment plants, poor enforcement has led to severe damage to water, land, and health, says Dialogue Earth.
Egypt opens applications for 36 ready-to-use leather goods units in Robbiki Leather City’s second investment phase. Incentives include flexible payment plans, export financing, and strategic location—deadline to apply is July 27, 2025.
The India-UK trade deal grants duty-free access for Indian leather and footwear, boosting competitiveness in a key market. With exports already rising, the industry expects trade to double and ties with UK firms to strengthen in the next 2–3 years.
India’s CLRI presented the full project report for Ethiopia’s Modjo Leather City on July 9, 2025. The report was formally submitted to Ethiopian leaders, marking a major step in Global South collaboration for leather industry development.
Thick froth and a foul smell covered Tamil Nadu’s Palar River on July 17. Locals allege tanneries dumped untreated waste during heavy rains, worsening pollution, harming crops, and contaminating water yet no strong action has been taken.
Chanel has acquired a 20% stake in Italy's Conceria Nuova Impala tannery, continuing its push to secure its luxury leather supply chain. The move aligns with Chanel’s strategy of investing in craftsmanship and maintaining quality control.
India and the UK have signed a landmark free trade agreement granting duty-free access to Indian leather and footwear exports boosting MSMEs, creating jobs in hubs like Kanpur and Tirupur, and opening doors to the UK’s $23 Billion market.
FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY NEWS
Vietnam’s leather and footwear exports rose over 10% in H1 2025, hitting $26 Billion in revenue. Strong FTAs, low labor costs, and a shift to sustainable production are driving growth, with the US remaining the top buyer and Nike producing heavily in the country.
Ajanta Shoes is gearing up for an IPO as it targets ₹1,000 crore revenue by 2028. The 70-year-old brand will launch smart shoes in India this Durga Puja and expand into premium segments, e-commerce, and new markets across India.
Portugal’s footwear industry aims to double technical footwear exports to €100 Million by 2030, driven by the FAIST project, rising defence spending, and advanced production capabilities positioning the country as a key player in global safety and military footwear.
LEATHER GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS
LVMH reported €39.8 Billion in H1 2025 revenue and €5.7 Billion net profit, down from €7.3 Billion last year. Fashion & Leather Goods fell 8%, yet strong local demand and standout Louis Vuitton and Dior events helped sustain high margins and audience engagement.
After losing his parents young, Behaylu Eskindir founded Taza to make more than leather school bags he’s building jobs, pride, and purpose in Ethiopia. Taza proves Africa can manufacture at scale and calls for support to expand its impact.
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Written & Published by Arshad | Leathernews.org
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