France’s leather sector has reported export revenues of close to €18 billion for 2022, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year and double the figure for 2015, writes Leatherbiz.

On reporting these results, industry representative body, the Conseil National du Cuir (CNC), said 67% of total export revenues had come from shipments of leathergoods and 28% from footwear. It said footwear exports had increased by 26% year on year, with French manufacturers shipping 26 million pairs to Spain, 21 million pairs to Italy, 16 million pairs to Germany and 12 million pairs to Poland.

Only 3% of export revenues came from shipments of raw materials in 2022, but CNC said France was the world’s third-largest exporter of raw hides and skins. Almost 75% of all raw French hides and skins exports went to tanners in Italy last year. The total value of raw hide and skin exports was €230.7 million, an increase of 5% compared to the figure for 2021.

Finished leather exports increased by 17% year on year, reaching €256.6 million.

Commenting on the figures, CNC president, Frank Boehly, said: “The French leather sector stands out for its exceptional savoir-faire and its commitment to making long-lasting products that will help the wider fashion industry become more sustainable. We are witnessing a genuine revolution in the way consumption works. In the face of this, our sector has been able to renew itself and adapt to the challenges of today’s society.”