- Join Our Exclusive Weekly Newsletter
- Posts
- Italian Leather Industry Struggles with 4800 Jobs Lost and India’s Leather & Footwear Exports Set to Reach $5.3 Billion with 12% Growth
Italian Leather Industry Struggles with 4800 Jobs Lost and India’s Leather & Footwear Exports Set to Reach $5.3 Billion with 12% Growth
Mongolia Invests $231 Million in Leather Industry Transformation & Brazil to Host CICB Sustainability Forum for the Leather Industry in March 2025
Arshad Leathernews.org
December 29, 2024
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 "leather, footwear, and leather goods" industry.
In a simplified and easy-to-understand manner, saving you time while keeping you informed and updated.
In case you missed it, here’s a look at what happened in the Global Leather & Footwear Industry last week.
LEATHER INDUSTRY NEWS
India's leather and footwear exports are projected to rise over 12%, reaching $5.3 billion this year, driven by demand from key markets like the US and UK. Last year, exports were $4.69 billion, with a bright outlook ahead. The sector, employing 4.2 million people, is set for a major boost. Chairman Rajendra Kumar Jalan predicts a turnover of $47 billion by 2030, with significant growth in exports. However, challenges like skilled labor shortages and export duties need attention to maintain this momentum.
The Italian leather, footwear, and fashion accessories sectors are facing tough times in 2024. Sales in footwear, leather goods, and tanning dropped by 9% in Q3, leading to a projected annual decline of 8.1%. Exports also fell by 8.5%, but there were bright spots, such as a 37.8% increase in sales to the UAE. The leather goods sector saw a 16.1% drop in production, and 4,800 jobs were lost. However, government support is helping businesses weather the storm.
The Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF) wrapped up 2024 with a year-end meeting attended by over 100 professionals from 15 countries. Key highlights included an 11% increase in partnerships, a 28% revenue rise, and a 45.5% boost in audits. Presentations focused on EU regulations like the Deforestation Regulation and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, along with SLF’s commitment to transparency through tools like the SLF Transparency Dashboard. The event also showcased expanding projects on Life Cycle Analysis and Leathertrace in Bangladesh.
Nigeria's leather industry is poised for significant growth, with the potential to generate an estimated N23 billion (~$14.91 million USD) and create 700,000 jobs. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, recently discussed this opportunity at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria’s Annual Lecture. He stressed that for 64 years, the sector was overlooked, but now, with focused efforts, Nigeria can tap into its vast natural resources to boost the leather value chain. This development could also open doors for global exports and sustainable production.
The Egyptian leather industry is undergoing a transformation with Robeiki Leather City at the forefront. Located 54 km from Cairo, this industrial hub brings state-of-the-art technology and sustainable practices to the industry. With fully equipped factories, a centralized wastewater treatment plant, and a focus on global standards, it aims to boost leather quality and exports. The project’s bold targets include tripling tanned leather production and creating 20,000 jobs. Robeiki City is positioning Egypt to compete globally in leather and footwear manufacturing.
Mongolia is stepping up its wool, cashmere, and leather industries to diversify beyond mining. The government recently signed a financing agreement to inject 788.9 billion Mongolian tugriks (around $231 million USD) into these sectors under the "White Gold" initiative, aiming to double processing capacity by 2028. The focus is on boosting domestic processing of leather from 30% to 50%. With expected export growth and the creation of 8,000 new jobs, this move will strengthen Mongolia's economy.
Uzcharmsanoat Association Chairman, A. Sultonov, met with Egypt’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Tamer Hammad, to discuss enhancing collaboration in the leather sector. They focused on trade relations, tackling export-import challenges, and exploring new investment opportunities. Ambassador Hammad highlighted Egypt's expertise in leather technology, which, combined with Uzbekistan's favorable conditions, could lead to transformational changes in the sector. A delegation from Uzbekistan will visit Egypt in January to solidify ties and explore new market opportunities.
The global leather industry is ramping up efforts in sustainability, with the CICB Sustainability Forum 2025 leading the charge. Set for March 19, 2025, in Brazil, this event will focus on “Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the Leather Industry.” LCA helps measure the environmental impact of leather throughout its life, a crucial tool for sustainable strategies. The forum will feature lectures, panels, and key sponsors like Stahl Leather and Minerva Leather. Stay tuned for registration details on the Brazilian Leather website and be part of the future of sustainable leather
FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY NEWS
A major fire erupted on Thursday morning at a leather shoe factory in Jajmau, owned by Anwar Ali, after an electrical short circuit. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, thanks to swift action by fire crews and local police. The fire was contained after about an hour, with no damage to nearby structures. The cause is still under investigation.
A Few days ago I received an email from my hosting provider sharing that Leather News has reached 10,000 website visits since our launch on March 9, 2024
In just under 9 months, we have published around 270 articles including global leather, footwear & leather products Industry news, updates, expert insights & stories
So we have published almost 1 article per day on average
Hitting this milestone feels extra special it’s a perfect reminder of how far we have come together.
This wouldn’t have been possible without YOU
By YOU I mean to our readers thank you for your time, trust & encouragement.
To our contributors and experts, your insights have truly enriched the platform.
I’m beyond grateful for this journey and excited for what’s to come in 2025.
Let’s make it even bigger and better
------
❓ As we celebrate this Let me know what topics or stories would you like us to cover next year? Drop your suggestions in the comments
If you found something useful, please consider sharing it with others who might benefit from it.
Written & Published by Arshad | Leathernews.org
Follow Arshad on LinkedIn
Reply