India’s Leather Export Boom 2025: Trends, Markets & Growth Opportunities

india leather export boom

 

India’s leather industry is experiencing a significant export boom in 2025, driven by rising global demand, competitive manufacturing, and supportive government policies. As one of the world’s top producers of leather goods, India supplies footwear, bags, garments, and accessories to major international markets.

To understand this growth, businesses rely on global import export data providers for real-time trade insights. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest trends, top export destinations, key challenges, and how import export data can help traders capitalize on this booming sector.

India’s Leather Export Performance in 2025

According to recent import export data, India’s leather exports are projected to reach $5.8 billion in 2025, up from $4.5 billion in 2023-24. This growth is fueled by:

  • Increased demand from the US and EU markets

  • Government incentives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

  • Expansion of e-commerce B2B leather trade

  • Sustainable and vegan leather innovations

Top Leather Products Driving Export Growth

  1. Footwear (40% share) – Sports shoes, formal leather shoes, and sandals.

  2. Leather Garments (20%) – Jackets, gloves, and fashion accessories.

  3. Leather Goods (25%) – Handbags, wallets, and travel items.

  4. Finished Leather (10%) – High-quality processed leather for luxury brands.

  5. Saddlery & Industrial Leather (5%) – Equestrian and automotive leather.

Top 5 Export Markets for Indian Leather in 2025

global import export data provider reveals that India’s leather products are in high demand across these key markets:

RankCountryKey ImportsMarket Share
1USAFootwear, handbags28%
2GermanyLuxury leather goods18%
3UKPremium leather accessories15%
4ItalyFinished leather for fashion brands12%
5FranceLeather garments & footwear10%

Emerging markets like UAE, Japan, and Australia are also showing increased demand, making them lucrative opportunities for exporters.

How Import Export Data Helps Leather Businesses Grow

For leather exporters, accessing accurate import export data is crucial for:

1. Identifying High-Demand Markets

  • Track which countries are importing more leather goods.

  • Analyze competitor shipments using global import export data provider reports.

2. Finding Reliable Buyers & Suppliers

  • Discover top international buyers (e.g., Clarks, Puma, H&M).

  • Connect with raw material suppliers for cost-effective sourcing.

3. Staying Updated on Trade Policies

  • Monitor tariffs, trade bans, and new regulations (e.g., EU deforestation laws).

  • Adjust pricing strategies based on customs duty changes.

4. Forecasting Trends & Demand Shifts

  • Predict seasonal demand spikes (e.g., holiday season footwear sales).

  • Adapt to sustainable leather trends (vegan leather, eco-friendly tanning).

Key Challenges in India’s Leather Export Industry

Despite growth, exporters face several hurdles:

  1. Rising Raw Material Costs – Prices of hides, chemicals, and labor are increasing.

  2. Strict Environmental Regulations – EU’s new sustainability laws impact tanneries.

  3. Competition from Vietnam & Bangladesh – Lower labor costs attract global brands.

  4. Logistics Delays – Shipping disruptions due to Red Sea crisis affect deliveries.

  5. Quality Compliance Issues – Rejections due to non-compliance with international standards.

Government Initiatives Boosting Leather Exports

The Indian government has introduced several policies to support the leather industry:

1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

  • Offers financial incentives for manufacturers boosting production.

2. Export Promotion Schemes

  • RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) refunds taxes to exporters.

3. Upgraded Infrastructure

  • Modern leather clusters in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

4. Easing Export Restrictions

  • Removal of port restrictions for faster shipments.

5. Import Controls on Raw Materials

  • Stricter checks on substandard cabinet hinges and synthetic leather imports.

Future Outlook: Can India Become the Global Leather Hub?

With strong demand, government support, and digital trade tools, India is well-positioned to dominate the global leather market. Key growth drivers include:

✅ Digital B2B Platforms – E-commerce is expanding leather trade opportunities.
✅ Sustainable Leather Innovations – Eco-friendly and vegan leather demand is rising.
✅ Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – Potential deals with the UK & EU will boost exports.

By leveraging import export trade data, businesses can make informed decisions and stay ahead in this competitive industry.

Conclusion

India’s leather export boom in 2025 presents immense opportunities for manufacturers, traders, and investors. By using insights from a global import export data provider, businesses can identify trends, optimize supply chains, and maximize profits.

Whether you're an exporter, supplier, or policymaker, staying updated with import export data is the key to success in this dynamic market.


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