French Leather Industry Reports €4.72 Billion in Exports for Q1 2025

Freiberg Leather Days Brings Together Global Industry Leaders & more

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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

The French leather industry reported a sharp Q1 2025 downturn, with production of finished bovine hides dropping 22%. Exports fell across key sectors, including a 4% decline in handbag exports and 4% drop in footwear exports, totaling €4.72 billion. Imports decreased by 5%, totaling €3.36 billion.

Argentina is proposing stricter rules to define “leather” exclusively as genuine animal hide, banning terms like “eco-leather” for synthetics. Industry leaders and lawmakers argue this will protect consumers, support local tanneries, and align with regional regulations.

CSIR invites experienced professionals to apply for the Director role at CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai. This leadership position offers a six-year tenure, competitive salary, and benefits to drive innovation in India’s premier leather research institute.

Bangladesh’s government will provide 30,000 metric tons of salt and support to preserve rawhides during Eid-ul-Azha, ensuring fair prices and benefiting madrasahs and orphanages. A 17-member committee will oversee rawhide pricing, transportation, and waste management.

Freiberg Leather Days 2025 brought 180 global experts together to discuss sustainability, innovation, and AI’s role in leather, setting the stage for the industry’s future. Next event: July 1-2, 2026, Münster.

Pangea’s 2024 Sustainability Report highlights a 12.5% emissions cut, 20.4% bio-based inputs, 68% waste diversion, and top certifications showcasing its commitment to eco-friendly, transparent, and innovative automotive leather manufacturing.

Tanzanian scientist Cecilia China returns to Germany’s FILK Freiberg Institute, advancing sustainable leather tanning using cashew waste bridging eco-innovation and local impact through UNESCO’s OWSD initiative.

Uganda’s Parliament approved a tax on all hides and skins exports, including glue stock at $0.80/kg, aiming to boost raw material supply for local tanneries and strengthen the country’s leather industry through increased value addition.

Bolivia signed a new trade deal with China to export raw bovine hides, boosting leather exports and strengthening commercial ties, officials announced during the CELAC-China Forum.

A fire broke out at a Kanpur tannery on May 15, 2025, damaging machinery and raw materials. No injuries were reported. The blaze, caused by a suspected short circuit, spread quickly due to nearby combustible materials.

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Written & Published by Arshad | Leathernews.org

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