Relief for Indian Leather & Footwear Exporters as Trump Cuts Tariff from 50% to 18%

The Indian leather and footwear industry woke up to some good news today, on 3rd February 2026. Exports to the US will now face a lower tariff of just 18%.

Indian Leather & Footwear Exports to US Set to Grow from $1.26 Billion to $4 Billion by 2030 Says CLE

The council said the reduction of the US reciprocal tariff from 50% to 18% gives India a strong competitive edge in the American market. It expects exports of Indian leather, leather products and footwear to the US to rise from $1.26 billion in 2024 to $4 billion by 2030.

39th India International Leather Fair 2026 Sees Steady Industry Footfall on Opening Day

The fair was formally inaugurated by Ambassador Jawed Ashraf, IFS Retd. Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organisation. Senior government officials, leather industry leaders, diplomats and media representatives were present at the opening.

Leather Fashion Show 2026 by IFLMEA Puts Indian Design in the Spotlight for the World

Nearly 14 labels showcased their collections. These included Tata International, Tohl, Toni Rossi, Language, CSIR-CLRI, FDDI, KICL, IUAD Milano, Kickers, Ramjee Leather Supplies, Rathnam Leathers and more. The collections covered leather goods, garments, accessories and footwear for men, women and children.

LWG Seminar at IILF 2026 Draws Strong Engagement from Tanners and Focused Q&A Session

The session focused on the next version of LWG standards, new training opportunities for tanneries and a detailed explanation of the audit and certification process handled by LWG Assurance Services.

During the Q&A many participants raised sharp and practical questions around the new standards, audit timelines and the shortage of LWG auditors.

Henkel Agrees to Buy Stahl for €2.1 Billion at 3x FY 2025 Sales Multiple

Henkel says the acquisition supports its strategy to expand into specialty coatings while strengthening its core adhesive business.

Govt of Mozambique Says Leather Industry Still Stuck at Raw Material Stage

Speaking in Maputo region at a consultation meeting on the leather sector the government said the industry is still stuck at a raw material stage and is not getting full value.

Chinese Bags & Cases Export Falls 13.5% to $27.1 Billion Between January and November 2025

According to the official data from the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), from January to November 2025, the sales revenue of key bags and cases enterprises decreased by 8.9% compared to the previous year.

Uzbekistan-Pakistan Leather Trade Plans Take Shape

Uzbekistan and Pakistan are taking a clear step forward to deepen cooperation in the leather industry with talks now shifting from discussion to execution.

39th India International Leather Fair 2026 Ends With Strong Global Presence But Weak Visitor Footfall

The fair ran from Sunday to Tuesday. When leathernews.org spoke to exhibitors responses were mixed. Day one saw a decent crowd. From Monday footfall dropped sharply and by Tuesday the venue was almost empty.

German Footwear and Leather Goods Association HDS/L Appoints Torben Schütz as Managing Director

The German Federal Association of the Footwear and Leather Goods Industry (HDS/L) has named Torben Schütz as its new Managing Director from Feb 1 2026.

Can India Really Trust Trump?

The Indian leather & footwear industry got a big relief on 3 Feb 2026.

The US cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from a steep 50%. This move came after nearly 5 months of pressure on exporters since higher duties were imposed in August 2025.

Building on this development the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has said that it expects exports of Indian leather, leather products & footwear to the US to rise from $1.26 billion in 2024 to $4 billion by 2030.

CLE is targeting total exports of $14 billion by 2030 with the US & the recent FTA’s with UK & EU playing key roles in this growth story.

But one question remains. Can we really trust Trump?

One thing is clear. Tariffs are being used as a pressure tool by Washington.

Just because tariffs are reduced now does not mean they cannot go up again

I know many leather goods & accessories exporters have spent months trying to enter into new markets.

India should not stop diversifying or depend too much on one country. That hard work should not be wasted.

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