12 March 2026
Hong Kong – March 2026 – As the leather industry gathers for APLF 2026, the sector remains focused on adaptation and strategic positioning amid evolving global market conditions. Following a challenging period of economic adjustment in 2025, the industry is entering 2026 with a pragmatic outlook, emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and long-term sustainability as key priorities for growth.
Acknowledged as the meeting place for the global leather industry for over 42 years, APLF has consistently adapted to complex economic circumstances. Today, as business leaders from around the world convene in Hong Kong, the outlook is increasingly positive, with multiple indicators pointing toward recovery and expansion.
Hong Kong: A Stable, Strategic Hub for Global Commerce
Hong Kong remains open for business, with international commerce flowing freely, currencies exchanged without restriction, and partnerships built on trust and mutual growth. With flights, logistics, and financial systems functioning normally, the city provides the stability and connectivity that international trade requires. Hong Kong’s enduring commitment to free trade, rule of law, and operational continuity makes it the best location for accessing China and Southeast Asian markets, the ideal venue for APLF, and the ideal partner for companies seeking growth in Asia’s most dynamic regions.
This is demonstrated by the strong participation of 500 exhibitors and 9,000 expected visitors at APLF 2026.
China Remains the World’s Leather Powerhouse
Despite a 10.5% decline in leather industry exports during the first 11 months of 2025—totaling $75.06 billion across leather, footwear, leather garments, bags, and cases—China remains by far the world’s most important leather producer and exporter. No other country comes close in terms of volume or value.
China’s leather sector continues to require substantial imports of leather of all types to sustain its vast production capacity, making APLF’s location in Hong Kong more strategically valuable than ever. With APLF strategically positioned in Hong Kong, this trade fair serves as the premier gateway to China’s unparalleled leather sector as well as the rapidly growing markets of Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia’s Growing Leather Markets
Beyond China, Vietnam and Indonesia have emerged as two of Southeast Asia’s most important and fastest-growing leather consumption markets.
Vietnam has experienced significant growth in its leather and footwear manufacturing sector, driven by foreign investment, competitive labor costs, and favorable trade agreements including the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and CPTPP membership. The country has become a major hub for international footwear brands and leather goods production, with substantial demand for quality leather inputs.
Indonesia, with its large domestic market and growing manufacturing base, ranks as the third largest leather consumer in the region. The country benefits from its own livestock industry, established tanning infrastructure, and increasing demand from both domestic and export-oriented manufacturers producing footwear, leather goods, and garments.
Both countries represent strategic growth markets for leather suppliers and are increasingly important participants in the regional leather supply chain, making APLF’s position in Hong Kong even more valuable as the gateway to these dynamic Southeast Asian markets.
APLF 2026: A Streamlined, Connected Marketplace
APLF 2026 continues to function as a primary access point to the China and Southeast Asian markets. Participants span tanneries, material developers, chemical suppliers, component specialists, brands, buyers, and product teams working across leather, materials, and fashion accessories.
A central feature of the 2026 edition is its simplified onsite layout. APLF Leather, Materials+, and Fashion Access are all housed together on Level 1 of the venue, creating a single, continuous marketplace rather than separate zones across multiple floors.
This practical design improves circulation, connects categories more naturally, and allows raw materials, chemistry, components, and finished products to sit within one seamless flow. For visitors, this means time saved and easier comparison across the supply chain. For exhibitors, it brings stronger visibility, steadier foot traffic, and deeper commercial conversations that lead to measurable business outcomes.
Taken together, the Level 1 layout, exhibitor mix, and supporting program position APLF 2026 as a more connected and efficient industry platform, with emphasis on quality engagement and real business value.
Strong International Participation
APLF 2026 features broad geographic representation with national pavilions from:
This diverse participation reflects the global nature of the leather trade and the confidence the industry places in Hong Kong as a neutral, business-friendly environment that facilitates meaningful connections and lasting partnerships.
Knowledge Sharing and Industry Leadership
APLF 2026 is more than an exhibition—it’s an integrated platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation. A robust program of conferences, seminars, and workshops offers timely insights on technology, sustainability, fashion, and market strategy, helping industry professionals make informed business decisions.
Event Highlights:
Leather Supply Chain Conference (March 11)
Held one day ahead of the show, this conference addressed current pressures and priorities across the value chain, from production and chemistry through to brand expectations and market readiness.
Joint CLIA-LHCA Seminar (Day 2)
The China Leather Industry Association and the Leather and Hide Council of America will hold a joint seminar addressing how conflicting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results cast doubt on the environmental performance of leather. Participants will learn how the new Institute for Data Integrity can help the industry build the market confidence needed to compete effectively against synthetic alternatives.
NextGen Fashion Materials Tech Talk
These sessions explore emerging material technologies that are scalable, performance-driven, and aligned with responsible sourcing frameworks, responding to growing demand for innovation across the supply chain.
Education Programme (Final Day)
Designed to support skills development and provide practical context around the trends influencing today’s market environment, helping the next generation of leather professionals succeed.
JLIA Sustainable Certification Launch
The Japan Leather and Leather Goods Industries Association will unveil a new certification framework recognizing companies committed to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The JLIA Sustainable Certification is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international ESG principles, with assessment criteria covering governance, labor and human rights, environmental management, and product safety. This initiative is designed to provide clearer benchmarks and encourage responsible practices across the sector. Further details will be presented at APLF, Booth 1BE02JP.
Full event details and schedules are available at www.aplf.com.
A Call to Action: Championing Leather’s Natural Advantages
While the industry continues to face competition from synthetics—particularly in footwear and fashion—there is growing recognition of leather’s superior qualities: durability, biodegradability, breathability, and timeless appeal.
Currently, between 40% and 45% of hides are still being discarded to landfill, representing both a challenge and an opportunity. For demand to improve, the footwear and fashion manufacturing industries must reduce their reliance on synthetics in favor of natural leather.
Education is key. By promoting awareness among designers, manufacturers, and consumers about the environmental harm caused by fossil fuel-derived synthetic materials—including damage to the environment and groundwater—the industry can drive a meaningful shift back toward natural, sustainable materials like leather.
APLF is committed to supporting this educational mission, providing platforms for knowledge sharing and advocacy that strengthen leather’s position as the material of choice for quality, performance, and environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
APLF 2026 represents more than a trade fair. It demonstrates the resilience of the global leather industry, the strength of international commerce, and Hong Kong’s enduring role as the gateway to Asia’s most important markets.
As the world’s leather professionals gather in Hong Kong this week, they do so with optimism, purpose, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable, innovative, and prosperous future for the industry.
The industry is ready. The opportunities are real. The future is bright. The next edition of APLF Hong Kong 2027 will be held on 31 March – 2 April. For more details, please visit www.aplf.com.
