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This Week's News from the Global Leather, Footwear & Leather Goods Industry
Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Indian Goods Rafeeque Ahmed Says ‘Not Looking Good’ | The Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) Closes Permanently on July 31 | Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited Acquires Footwear brands Zodiz and Jeetlo | Puducherry Govt Forms Minister Led Committee to Resolve Dispute Between Hidesign and Its Employees & more
Arshad Leathernews.org
August 03, 2025
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 & 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
Just ahead of the August 1 trade deadline, Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff and an unspecified penalty on India, citing protectionist policies. Indian exporters fear order cancellations and renegotiations as trade tensions with the United States rise.
“The announcement is shocking and there is a lot of uncertainty. With a 5% point disadvantage compared to Vietnam, things are not looking very good. We have to see what we can do as there may be some cancellations and price renegotiation”
A high-level meeting in New Delhi discussed how the India-UK CETA will boost Indian leather and footwear exports. The agreement offers duty-free access to the UK, eliminates tariffs, and supports global competitiveness through infrastructure and branding initiatives.
The Southern African Development Community launched its first Regional Leather Forum in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to boost industrial growth, investment and trade. Over 50 leaders joined to align policies, strengthen partnerships and transform the region’s leather value chain.
The Institute for Creative Leather Technologies at the University of Northampton closed on July 31 due to declining student numbers, financial strain and reduced international interest after Brexit.
FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY NEWS
Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited (KICL) has officially stepped into the branded footwear and accessories business by acquiring well-known value brands Zodiz and Jeetlo.
Global footwear production rose sharply by 6.9% in 2024, reaching 23.9 billion pairs and fully recovering 2023’s losses. Strong demand in the United States, China, and Europe fueled growth, while Asia maintained its dominance in both production and exports.
Coats acquires OrthoLite Holdings LLC, a global leader in insoles, strengthening its position in the footwear materials market and expanding its reach with sustainable, high-performance solutions including OrthoLite’s new recyclable Cirql foam technology.
LEATHER GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS
Volkan Yilmaz, known online as Tanner Leatherstein, has joined British luxury bag brand Stow London as director of craftsmanship and shareholding partner.
Hermès reported €8 billion in revenue for the first half of 2025, up 8%, with strong growth across all regions. Operating income rose 6% to €3.3 billion, led by global demand and solid performance in leather goods.
The Puducherry Government has formed a committee to resolve the labor dispute at Hidesign’s Odhiampet leather factory, following a strike over wages and benefits.
Kering reported a 16% drop in revenue to €7.6 billion for the first half of 2025, with major brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent facing weak sales in key markets. Net income fell sharply to €474 million.
LEATHER INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
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Written & Published by Arshad | Leathernews.org
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