Author: Rose Tong

11 December 2025 Leather Naturally As we draw towards the end of the year, Leather Naturally Chairman, Dr. Luis A Zugno shares his reflections and vision for the future of the leather industry with International Leather Maker. Dr Zugno has worked within the leather industry for 50 years. He has a deeply insightful, informed view… Continue reading Leather Naturally

11 December 2025 Biggest leather manufacturing group has been years in the making More details have emerged of the moves that have led to the setting up of JBS Viva, which, subject to regulatory approval, will be the largest leather manufacturing group in the world. By Leatherbiz. At the end of November, JBS issued a… Continue reading Biggest leather manufacturing group has been years in the making

11 December 2025 EUDR timeline commentary and U.S. tariff review The Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB/Brazilian Leather) informs ILM on December 4 that it is closely monitoring all developments for the European Union’s anti-deforestation law (EUDR), including the extension of deadlines, working in alignment with European authorities and supporting the Brazilian leather sector… Continue reading EUDR timeline commentary and U.S. tariff review

2 December 2025 Training – Footwear firm welcomes free apprenticeship proposal The managing director of handmade footwear brand Tricker’s, Martin Mason, has welcomed a new proposal from the UK government to make apprenticeship training free for people under the age of 25. By Leatherbiz. Speaking to the BBC on the day of the announcement, Mr… Continue reading Training – Footwear firm welcomes free apprenticeship proposal

2 December 2025 Leatherbiz Market Intelligence: Joint projects could be the key Image shows representatives of leather manufacturers Gruppo Mastrotto and Conceria Antiba who have signed the Circular Fashion Manifesto with users of leather including Tod’s, Kering, Armani and Ferragamo. A new edition of Leatherbiz Market Intelligence went live on November 25. This time, our… Continue reading Leatherbiz Market Intelligence: Joint projects could be the key

2 December 2025 Leather Industry – JBS Couros and Viva merge into a leather super-colossus JBS and Viva merge in the name of leather. The Brazilian supergiant JBS Viva is born: 31 factories and over 11,000 employees in Brazil, Italy, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, and Vietnam. The new company will process more than 20 million hides… Continue reading Leather Industry – JBS Couros and Viva merge into a leather super-colossus

2 December 2025 Africa is looking to the future of leather By: Dr Kerry Senior, Director of Leather UK, and Secretary of the International Council of Tanners (ICT)   At the 18th Africa Leather Value Chain Annual Forum in Lusaka, Zambia, Nicholas Mudungwe and colleagues from Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute launched a new… Continue reading Africa is looking to the future of leather

25 November 2025 Portugal How the Portuguese Footwear Industry Is Driving Innovation Amid Mounting Competition. The sector plans to invest 600 million euros by 2030 in robotics, AI, automation, and sustainable advancement.   Read More

25 November 2025 Luxury Recovery Continues Richemont, the world’s third-largest luxury group and owner of leather goods brands such as Montblanc, Delvaux, and Serapian, and footwear brands such as Gianvito Rossi, excelled in the second quarter, confirming the luxury sector’s recovery. In line with the positive signs already highlighted by the quarterly results of LVMH,… Continue reading Luxury Recovery Continues

25 November 2025 EUDR update: Leather sector given a year to prepare Italian tanneries have welcomed a proposed one-year delay to the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), giving suppliers more time to prepare for new compliance requirements.   Read More

25 November 2025 Over 25 Global Leather Organizations Urge COP30 to Recognize Leather’s Role with Updated Manifesto With COP30 underway in Belém Brazil from November 10 to 21, 2025 the leather industry has stepped up its message. A fresh version of the “Leather Manifesto” has been released and more than twenty five organisations from around… Continue reading Over 25 Global Leather Organizations Urge COP30 to Recognize Leather’s Role with Updated Manifesto

18 November 2025 Change in US Economic Policy? Trump rolls back tariffs on dozens of food products #BBCNews   US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order allowing a range of food products, including coffee, bananas and beef, to escape his sweeping tariffs. The move comes as his administration faces mounting pressure over rising… Continue reading Trump rolls back tariffs on dozens of food products

18 November 2025 Leatherbiz Market Intelligence: Astonishing’ lack of EUDR awareness The latest Leatherbiz Market Intelligence newsletter went live on November 11. This edition makes the point that the disruption and uncertainty that the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is causing is further reaching than some in the hide and leather supply chain had though.… Continue reading Trump orders antitrust probe into major U.S. meat-packing firms

18 November 2025 Trump orders antitrust probe into major U.S. meat-packing firms As beef prices hit record highs, President Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate large meat-packing companies. By ILM. As well as accusing the DOJ of “illicit collusion, price fixing and price manipulation” on a social media platform… Continue reading Leatherbiz Market Intelligence: Astonishing’ lack of EUDR awareness

18 November 2025 Report: Global Markets in Strong Position to Weather Tariffs Amid Shifting Alliances A tariff maelstrom emanating from the United States hasn’t managed to throw the world’s emerging markets—including some notable American adversaries—into turmoil.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

11 November 2025 US Footwear Imports Shoe Firms Get a China Tariff Break – But Trade Policy Still Unclear Shoe firms get a one-year reprieve from “heightened reciprocal tariffs” on China imports, but a Supreme Court decision could shift tariff policy.   More Information

11 November 2025 UNIC – Italian Tanneries CALLS FOR A COMMON FRONT IN BRUSSELS TO POSTPONE AND RE-EVALUATE THE EUDR The front against the latest, recent amendments proposed by the European Commission to the EU deforestazione Regulation (EUDR) is widening and strengthening, which partially contradict what the Commission itself had previously declared. The proposal –… Continue reading UNIC – Italian Tanneries

11 November 2025 Trump Game Plan What’s Trump’s ‘Game Two Plan’ for Tariffs in the Event of a Supreme Court Defeat? With the president’s IEEPA agenda still standing but certainly on the ropes, the administration has, for weeks, been hinting that they’re prepared to pivot.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

11 November 2025 Indian Exporters Meet Prime Minister Modi Seek Urgent Relief from US Tariffs Indian exporters have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in after the United States imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods, a move that has shaken several labor-intensive industries including leather, footwear, textiles and handicrafts. By Leather… Continue reading Indian Exporters Meet Prime Minister Modi Seek Urgent Relief from US Tariffs

11 November 2025 Crunch Time for Trump’s Tariffs – Trump’s global tariffs face tough questioning from Supreme Court From CNN’s John Fritze on 5 November 2025 A majority of the Supreme Court appeared skeptical of President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs Wednesday, with several conservative justices picking away at many of the administration’s top arguments to… Continue reading Crunch Time for Trump’s Tariffs

4 November 2025 US Legislature – Bipartisan Senate Majority Votes to Reject Trump’s Global Tariffs After taking a stand this week against tariffs on Brazil and Canada, the Senate has rallied a bipartisan majority to strike down Trump’s duties on more than 100 countries.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

4 November 2025 Turkey Tightens Import Rules on Footwear and Leather Goods Via Postal Delivery Over Safety Concerns The Turkish Ministry of Trade has introduced new restrictions on the import of footwear, leather goods and toys through postal and express delivery services due to product safety concerns. Report by Leather News. The decision, announced on… Continue reading Turkey Tightens Import Rules on Footwear and Leather Goods Via Postal Delivery Over Safety Concerns

4 November 2025 SE ASIAN TRADE #ASEAN, #China Update Free Trade Accord to Counter Impact of US Tariffs China and ASEAN have solidified their own free trade pact aimed at deepening cooperation and reducing reliance on the American export market.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

4 November 2025 Impact of Tariffs – Report shows U.S. tariffs may cut Indian leather industry revenue by up to 12% India’s leather and allied products sector could see revenues fall by 10–12% this financial year due to new U.S. tariffs, according to a report from Crisil Ratings. By ILM. The U.S. has imposed a… Continue reading Impact of Tariffs – Report shows U.S. tariffs may cut Indian leather industry revenue by up to 12%

4 November 2025 US – China Tariffs: Shoe Supply Chains Could Be Reshaped Again After US-China Trade Deal The new China tariffs for shoe imports are lower than the temporary 30 percent rate. By Footwear News. U.S. President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping both got the trade deal they wanted, and it’s one… Continue reading US – China Tariffs: Shoe Supply Chains Could Be Reshaped Again After US-China Trade Deal

28 October 2025 US tariffs expected to hit India’s leather exports Central Leather Research Institute, India. India’s leather and allied products industry is expected to see a 10-12 per cent revenue decline this financial year following the United States’ 50 per cent tariffs, business consultancy group Crisil Ratings reported. By Leatherbiz. The duties, including a… Continue reading US tariffs expected to hit India’s leather exports

28 October 2025 US – India Tariffs: US Tariffs to Impact India Leather Industry Revenue 10-12% Current Fiscal Says Crisil India’s leather and allied products industry is bracing for a tough year as revenues are projected to fall by 10-12% in the current fiscal following steep US tariffs, according to Crisil Ratings. By Leather News.… Continue reading US – India Tariffs: US Tariffs to Impact India Leather Industry Revenue 10-12% Current Fiscal Says Crisil

28 October 2025 United States – LHCA elects new board leadership in Chicago The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) has elected Ronaldo Ayala, Director of Hide Sustainability and Procurement at Eagle Ottawa by Lear Corporation, as Co-Chair of the association. The announcement was made during LHCA’s Annual Meeting, held October 16–17 in Chicago.… Continue reading United States – LHCA elects new board leadership in Chicago

28 October 2025 EUDR Update from UNIC EUDR – EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES POSTPONEMENT AND SIMPLIFICATION OF THE APPLICATION OF THE ANTI-DEFORESTATION REGULATION   The European Commission has published the proposal for postponement and simplification of hashtag#Regolamento (EU) 2023/1115 against hashtag#deforestazione (EUDR). Updated timelines: The entry into application on 30 December 2025 for medium-large companies has… Continue reading EUDR Update from UNIC

28 October 2025 Crutch Time for Trump’s Tariffs in November Small businesses and states ask court to uphold orders striking down Trump’s tariffs By Amy Howe Lawyers for small businesses and states challenging President Donald Trump’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs on almost all goods imported into the United States urged the Supreme Court on… Continue reading Crutch Time for Trump’s Tariffs in November

28 October 2025 Leather Manifesto for COP30: What Truly Matters This year has been a wake-up call on plastics. It’s in our blood and brains, and even recycling makes it worse — releasing microplastics we inhale every day.   The same goes for so-called “vegan,” “PU,” or “pleather” materials — all petroleum-based plastics that crack,… Continue reading COTANCE on COP30 – Leather Manifesto for COP30: What Truly Matters

24 October 2025 US – Consumer Insights – Impact of Tariffs Economic Anxiety Will Prompt 10% Pullback on Holiday Spending, Deloitte Says   Seventy-seven percent of shoppers expect to see higher prices at retail, prompting them to tighten their purse strings.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

24 October 2025 Protecting the Use of the Term “Leather” The EU has voted to protect traditional meat names, such as “steak” and “burger,” from being used for plant-based products. The logic is straightforward: words matter. So, if that principle applies to meat, shouldn’t it also apply to leather? By One4Leather. Across Europe, the term… Continue reading Protecting the Use of the Term “Leather”

24 October 2025 US – China Trade War: China warns of rare earths retaliation as Trump threatens 100% tariffs China has warned it will “resolutely take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests” if President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, urging the U.S. government… Continue reading US – China Trade War: China warns of rare earths retaliation as Trump threatens 100% tariffs

24 October 2025 FAO Sustainable Livestock Conference Rome hosts second FAO global conference on sustainable livestock transformation Finishing on October 1, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently hosted its second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, highlighting the sector’s vital role in food security, livelihoods and sustainable development. Report by… Continue reading FAO Sustainable Livestock Conference

24 October 2025 Automotive – China: New Vehicle Sales set to reach New Record in 2025 Led by Strong Performance of NEVs China’s vehicle sales grew 14.9% year-on-year to a nine-month high of 3.226 million in September 2025, following a 16.4% rise in August, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).… Continue reading Automotive – China: New Vehicle Sales set to reach New Record in 2025 Led by Strong Performance of NEVs

17 October 2025 Impact of Tariffs Vietnam Footwear Exports Drop 27.3 Percent in September Amid Tariff Turmoil. Vietnam’s shoe exports to the U.S. were worth $611 million in September, down 27.3 percent from $840 million in August as tariffs took hold.   Read more

17 October 2025 Trump puts extra 100% tariff on China imports, adds export controls on ‘critical software’ President Donald Trump said the United States would impose a new tariff of 100% on imports from China “over and above any Tariff that they are currently paying,” starting on Nov. 1. The move is in retaliation for… Continue reading Trump puts extra 100% tariff on China imports, adds export controls on ‘critical software’

17 October 2025 Global Warming – Emissions from fossil fuels have been ‘significantly underestimated’ Cologne-based think-tank nova-Institute claims to have exposed “a major underestimation” of methane emissions from oil and gas. By Leatherbiz. The institute, which specialises in defossilisation and renewable carbon, recently carried out analysis of updates to what it calls “leading lifecycle inventory… Continue reading Global Warming – Emissions from fossil fuels have been ‘significantly underestimated’

17 October 2025 Environment – Leather vs Plastic  𝗜𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀? Is it Leather? Writes on LinkedIn: You carry a reusable water bottle. You skip plastic straws. You keep a stash of cloth grocery bags in your trunk. Day after day, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹… Continue reading Environment – Leather vs Plastic

17 October 2025 Italy – Farewell to Bruno Mastrotto (84), a pioneer of Italian tanning The Italian tannery is mourning the loss of one of the pioneers of an industry that rose to become a global leader. Bruno Mastrotto, a key figure in the Venetian tanning industry and a key figure—since the mid-1950s—in the creation… Continue reading Italy – Farewell to Bruno Mastrotto (84), a pioneer of Italian tanning

10 October 2025 India – CLE Plans Trade Push in Russia Africa and UK Amid US Tariff Crisis 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian leather and footwear products has sent shockwaves across the industry. Experts fear this move could impact as much as 90% of the trade, according to R K Jalan,… Continue reading India – CLE Plans Trade Push in Russia Africa and UK Amid US Tariff Crisis

10 October 2025 New LWG standard public consultations now open The Leather Working Group (LWG) has launched two new public consultations as part of its ongoing standards update. In 2026, the current LWG Protocol 7 will be replaced by the LWG Leather Production Standard and the LWG Chain of Custody Standard. By ILM.   The… Continue reading New LWG standard public consultations now open

10 October 2025 Leather to strengthen – SLF contracted by LHCA for Exports and Sustainability Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF) has been contracted by the Leather and Hide Council of America (L&HCA) under its Regional Agricultural Promotion Program to support the expansion of U.S. hide and leather exports while strengthening local capacity for sustainable leather manufacture… Continue reading Leather to strengthen – SLF contracted by LHCA for Exports and Sustainability

9 October 2025 Impact of Trump Tariffs Shoe Prices Are Up, And Footwear Could Be Off Some Holiday Gift Lists   Holiday spending is expected to be lower this year versus 2024. Consumers will be spending, but on how pairs of shoes remains unclear.   Read more

9 October 2025 Trade WTO: AI Has the Potential to Boost Global Trade by Nearly 40% The trade organization noted that governments and private entities will need to overcome a digital divide to reap the technology’s benefits.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

9 October 2025 Trade African Leaders Push for Trade Agreements and Swift Renewal of AGOA as Expiration Looms   Sub-Saharan African leaders are pushing for a solution as the preference program’s duty-free exemptions wind down.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

9 October 2025 India – Lidcap makes efforts to bolster India’s leather industry India’s Andhra Pradesh state government is taking steps to bolster the state’s leather industry by establishing stalls operated by the Leather Industries Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (Lidcap) at popular tourist destinations. By ILM. This initiative aims to enhance market access for… Continue reading India – Lidcap makes efforts to bolster India’s leather industry

9 October 2025 Anniversary Amazona in Loewe’s new collection Leathergoods brand Loewe is preparing to celebrate its 180th birthday next year. The brand was founded in Madrid in 1846. By Leatherbiz. To mark the milestone, Loewe has designed a special edition of its Amazona bag as part of its spring-summer 2026 collection. The company launched… Continue reading Anniversary Amazona in Loewe’s new collection

9 October 2025 One 4 Leather – And if there were no cows? We often hear that to protect the planet, we need fewer cows, less meat, and no leather. But what if that story is backwards? Cattle are not part of the fossil carbon problem — they belong to nature’s carbon cycle. The carbon… Continue reading One 4 Leather – And if there were no cows?

8 October 2025 Leathergoods – Artisan leathergoods production strategy bears more fruit for Hermès High-end leathergoods brand Hermès officially opened a new leathergoods manufacturing site in the town of L’Isle-d’Espagnac at the end of September. This is the company’s twenty-fourth leathergoods manufacturing site in France. By Leatherbiz. The company said this new opening confirms its… Continue reading Leathergoods – Artisan leathergoods production strategy bears more fruit for Hermès

8 October 2025 Japan – High-end tie-up for Onitsuka Tiger Japanese footwear brand Onitsuka Tiger has unveiled a new range it has put together with high-end fashion house Versace. The collaboration is part of Versace’s spring-summer 2026 collection. By www.footwearbiz.com. The shoes are based on Onitsuka Tiger’s Tai-chi model. They have double-stitching on the brand’s… Continue reading Japan – High-end tie-up for Onitsuka Tiger

8 October 2025 Italy – MILE leather museum inaugurated in Arzignano The Museum of Interactive Leather Experience (MILE) was officially inaugurated in Arzignano on September 27. By Leatherbiz.   Promoted by the Distretto Veneto della Pelle and Acque del Chiampo, the museum is the first of its kind in Italy dedicated to leather. Using immersive… Continue reading Italy – MILE leather museum inaugurated in Arzignano

6 October 2025 Bangladesh – Leather Industry Shows Fresh Signs of Growth Despite Key Challenges Bangladesh’s leather sector is once again showing signs of momentum. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), exports of leather, leather goods and footwear reached about $1.14 Billion in FY2024. By Leather News. By June FY2025 that figure was already… Continue reading Bangladesh – Leather Industry Shows Fresh Signs of Growth Despite Key Challenges

6 October 2025 FAO Conference in Rome: Leaders share key takeaways from FAO’s sustainable livestock conference Following the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Rome, Nicolò Cinotti, Secretary General of the International Poultry Council (IPC), outlined five key insights shaping the future of global… Continue reading FAO Conference in Rome: Leaders share key takeaways from FAO’s sustainable livestock conference

6 October 2025 Germany – Martin Kleban Takes Charge as Director of German Tanners Association VDL Martin Kleban has stepped into his new role as Director at the German Tanners Association VDL, taking over from Andreas Meyer who will soon retire. By Leather News. Previously, Kleban was Head of Product Safety, Regulatory and Quality Management… Continue reading Germany – Martin Kleban Takes Charge as Director of German Tanners Association VDL

3 October 2025 Tanning Tibetan Yak Leather ZANG YAK® LEATHER• Francis Tsang writes on LinkedIn: Tibetan Yak Shrunken leather is a high-quality, naturally pebbled, and durable leather that measures 3.2 mm thick. It is created by shrinking the surface to produce a distinct and deeper grain pattern. This specialized vegetable tanning from Silvateam s.p.a. and… Continue reading Tanning Tibetan Yak Leather

3 October 2025 Leatherbiz Market Intelligence – The right people in the room We published a new issue of our Market Intelligence newsletter, with our exclusive report on the current situation in the global leather pipeline, on September 30. By Leatherbiz. Naturally, the report devotes much space this time to the recent exhibition in Milan.… Continue reading Leatherbiz Market Intelligence – The right people in the room

3 October 2025 Tanner Leatherstein’s Bag Dissection & Communicating Leather’s Value to the Consumer Is it Leather? Writes on LinkedIn: On the opening day of the Milan fair, Tanner Leatherstein (Volkan Yilmaz) drew a packed audience as he dissected one of his own leather briefcases live on stage. Known worldwide for exposing the truth behind… Continue reading Tanner Leatherstein’s Bag Dissection & Communicating Leather’s Value to the Consumer

2 October 2025 Rome – FAO Global Conference for Sustainable Livestock Transformation Dr. Kerry Senior, Director at Leather UK, and Secretary, International Council of Tanners (ICT) writes on LinkedIn: Interesting first day at FAO Global Conference for Sustainable Livestock Transformation. Those protesting outside may not be entirely wrong and the work presented inside may not… Continue reading Rome – FAO Global Conference for Sustainable Livestock Transformation

2 October 2025 Automotive – Elevating Driving Comfort Pangea Made writes on LinkedIn: Behind the wheel, comfort is more than a want; it’s a need. That’s why premium leather is a top choice for drivers. According to the 2025 Automotive Interior Materials Research with NielsenIQ global consumers ranked interior as fifth in key purchase factors… Continue reading Automotive – Elevating Driving Comfort

2 October 2025 India – Impact of Tariffs US tariffs force factory closures in Tamil Nadu The Indian leather hub of Ambur and Ranipet in Tamil Nadu has been crippled by the imposed 50% tariff on Indian leather goods by the U.S. Once a booming sector that employed millions, 50 of roughly 300 factories are… Continue reading India – Impact of Tariffs

30 September 2025 Vietnam and APAC Rocked By Tariff Impacts, United Nations Says Vietnam, America’s premier footwear supplier outside of China, could see one-fifth of its export volume evaporate because of the 20 percent tariffs it now faces, according to UNDP.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

30 September 2025 Trade Negotiations US Trade Partners Scrap Retaliatory Duties, Vie for More Favorable Trade Terms Turkey removed duties on a number of American products as its president heads to Washington to meet with Trump this week.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

30 September 2025 Tariff Impact on India-US Trade Tariffs Sink India-US Trade: Ocean Freight Rates, Air Cargo Plummet Under 50% Duties Soaring U.S. tariffs slash demand for Indian goods, forcing carriers to blank sailings and slash capacity in an effort to avoid further container price cuts.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

30 September 2025 Leather Naturally – Interview with SLF’s Deborah Taylor Welcome to our latest ‘Meet The Member’ profile: Deborah Taylor, PCQI, FSLTC, Managing Director of The Sustainable Leather Foundation and President of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists (SLTC). Deborah is also a Consultant at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. In… Continue reading Leather Naturally – Interview with SLF’s Deborah Taylor

30 September 2025 Italy – Important day for GSC Leather chemicals group GSC hosted a launch event for an expansion at its headquarters near Vicenza on September 26. By Leatherbiz.   Chief Executive, Adriano Serafini, welcomed customers and other guests from Asia, the Americas, Africa and many parts of Europe to the event. He said… Continue reading Italy – Important day for GSC

30 September 2025 EUDR and Hides Eco Track UNIC – Italian Tanneries presents Hides Eco Track at the conference on the anti-Deforestation Regulation From the stage of the conference on the anti-Deforestation regulations the postponement of the EUDR was welcomed. Its entry into application, in fact, originally scheduled for December 30, 2024 and then postponed… Continue reading EUDR and Hides Eco Track

29 September 2025 EUDR – Traceability UNIC welcomes EUDR pause and presents IT platform Italian tanning industry body UNIC presented a new IT tool to help tanners manage the bureaucratic burden of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). By Leatherbiz.   At the exhibition in Milan, it explained to tanners and other stakeholders from all… Continue reading EUDR – Traceability

29 September 2025 AICLST conference heads to Kolkata in 2026 During the closing ceremony of the 38th IULTCS international congress in Lyon on September 11, Dr S Rajamani, Chairman, IUEC India announced that the next AICLST congress will take place in Kolkata in 2026. By ILM. The 13th edition of Asia International Conference on Leather… Continue reading AICLST conference heads to Kolkata in 2026

29 September 2025 Rebranding – Disruptive Beef and Leather Jacquelyn Smith writes on LinkedIn: Beyond Meat’s rebrand — dropping Meat from its name — caught my attention. The disruptor isn’t just competing with beef anymore; it’s reframing the category entirely. Now it’s not “meat vs. plant-based meat,” but “protein vs. protein.” This resonates with the… Continue reading Rebranding – Disruptive Beef and Leather

26 September 2025 Tariffs – US and Vietnam reach an agreement on tariffs US President Donald Trump announced that the US would impose lower-than-expected tariffs of 20% on many Vietnamese exports, and 40% on transshipments through Vietnam from third countries. Under the terms of the deal, Vietnamese goods produced locally will be taxed at 20%,… Continue reading Tariffs – US and Vietnam reach an agreement on tariffs

26 September 2025 Choose Real Leather Eating Beef? The Most Sustainable Choice is Buying Real Leather Is it Leather writes on LinkedIn: When conversations about sustainability turn to beef, most people think about burgers, steaks, and protein. Rarely does the discussion extend to what happens to the rest of the animal. Yet there’s a critical… Continue reading Choose Real Leather

26 September 2025 International Leather Design Competition Now in Brazil – Partnership Between LHCA (USA) and CICB (Brazil) The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) announce a strategic partnership to launch the Brazilian edition of the Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) Student Design Competition. This… Continue reading International Leather Design Competition

25 September 2025 EUDR on the back burner till 2027 UNIC – Italian Tanneries reports on LinkedIn that a conference on the subject of EUDR is scheduled for the 24th September. The EU Commission is preparing the postponement of the EUDR to 2027 and the news was announced during a public event by the European… Continue reading EUDR on the back burner till 2027

25 September 2025 Leather Natural’s Tribute to Giorgio Amani There have been so many heartfelt tributes to Giorgio Armani from our industry and the world of business and fashion – and we would like to add our own. No doubt, Georgio was a true pioneer, giving leather a central place in global style. Over decades,… Continue reading Leather Natural’s Tribute to Giorgio Amani

25 September 2025 Europe – Further Postponement proposed for EUDR Following the communication COTANCE received from MEP Christine Schneider (EPP, Germany), EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall proposed a further postponement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). It is now up to the European Parliament and Member States to work together to approve this postponement &… Continue reading Europe – Further Postponement proposed for EUDR

24 September 2025 Green House Gases METHANE, FASHION AND ANIMAL FIBRES – WHAT FUTURE DO WE WANT? A new report from Collective Fashion Justice claims wool, leather and cashmere are responsible for 75% of fashion’s methane emissions, despite making up less than 4% of the global fibre mix. By Brett Mathews of Apparel Insider.  … Continue reading Green House Gases

24 September 2025 Five Years of Polestar in the UK Coinciding with the launch of the Polestar 5, Bridge of Weir was proud to take part in the Polestar Festival at Bicester Heritage recently which celebrated five years of Polestar in the UK.    s part of the day’s programme, Bridge of Weir participated in… Continue reading Five Years of Polestar in the UK

24 September 2025 Inditex reports modest growth in H1 2025 In the first half of 2025, Spanish fashion retailer Inditex delivered stable operational performance, credited to Inditex’s strong business model by CEO Óscar García Maceiras. By ILM. Sales for the Spring/Summer collections have been well received by customers, reflected by growth of 1.6% to reach… Continue reading Inditex reports modest growth in H1 2025

23 September 2025 Tariffs Washington Pushes G7 to Impose Tariffs on China and India in Russia Pressure Campaign After calling upon the European Union earlier this week to consider imposing steep duties of up to 100 percent on perceived Russia allies, Washington is making another appeal to the Group of Seven.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

23 September 2025 Trade Congressional Budget Office Says Tariffs Accelerating Inflation, Treasury Hints at Forthcoming China Deal   Reference: Sourcing Journal

23 September 2025 Impact of Tariffs India-to-US Air Cargo Plunges as Tariffs Double After a 28 percent weekly uptick in volumes before 50 percent tariffs were imposed Aug. 27, tonnages declined 12 percent and 14 percent over the next two weeks.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

23 September 2025 US Footwear – US shoe importers on course to pay an extra $2 billion in tariffs this year Industry body, Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), has said the tariff announcements of 2025 are likely to cost its member companies an extra $2 billion this year. By Footwearbiz. In comments to… Continue reading US Footwear – US shoe importers on course to pay an extra $2 billion in tariffs this year

23 September 2025 New CEO for Gucci – Another change of CEO at Gucci as Luca de Meo makes his mark The new chief executive of luxury group Kering, Luca de Meo, has wasted no time in shaking up he group’s biggest brand, Gucci. By Leatherbiz. It announced on September 17 that Francesca Bellettini would… Continue reading New CEO for Gucci – Another change of CEO at Gucci as Luca de Meo makes his mark

23 September 2025 USA – Judicial: Birkin bag class action case dismissed for Hermès French luxury leather goods business Hermès has for a second time dismissed the class action case against California for allegedly restricting Birkin bag sales to customers with prior purchase history. By ILM. The lawsuit, filed last year, alleged that Hermès violated… Continue reading USA – Judicial: Birkin bag class action case dismissed for Hermès

23 September 2025 Trade – Judicial Supreme Court Sets Date to Hear Trump Tariff Case, Mexico and Canada Cozy Up The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments regarding the president’s IEEPA tariffs on Nov. 5.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

22 September 2025 China – The Three Suedes Dominating the Chinese Fashion Market During a recent visit to several lifestyle and fashion stores in China, I made a fascinating discovery that perfectly captures the dynamic shift in the suede leather market. Suede is always known as a single, uniform material with soft feel, short-napped, and… Continue reading China – The Three Suedes Dominating the Chinese Fashion Market

22 September 2025 Europe – EU urged to close e-commerce loopholes to protect imports The European Footwear Confederation (CEC), together with 63 other European entities, have urged the EU to close regulatory loopholes that allow unsafe, non-compliant products from non-EU sellers to reach consumers via online marketplaces. By ILM. As e-commerce expands, these platforms have… Continue reading Europe – EU urged to close e-commerce loopholes to protect imports

22 September 2025 Leather highlighted at FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock The leather industry will feature prominently at the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation and the Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators in Rome. By Leatherbiz. ICT, together with UNIC – Concerie Italiane (Italy), Leather UK, the Leather and Hide… Continue reading Leather highlighted at FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock

19 September 2025 SYMBIOS Project to drive circularity between leather and agrifood sectors The Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (Cotance) have launched SYMBIOS, a new Erasmus+ project designed to foster industrial symbiosis between Europe’s leather and agrifood industries. By ILM. The two-year initiative was launched in the Portuguese… Continue reading SYMBIOS Project to drive circularity between leather and agrifood sectors

19 September 2025 LeatherbizMarket Intelligence – The role of quality, design, brand strength and pricing We published the latest issue of our Market Intelligence newsletter on September 16, leading with a summary of the reasons why the mood in the market is low. By Leatherbiz. The ongoing tensions between the US and China continue to… Continue reading LeatherbizMarket Intelligence – The role of quality, design, brand strength and pricing

19 September 2025 COTANCE – Leather Booth in Rome Leather booth at the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation and Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators in Rome! From a VR leather-making experience to leather in high-end fashion, this booth will be packed with inspiration — and with global leather industry leaders.… Continue reading COTANCE – Leather Booth in Rome