Category: Industry News

26 May 2026 Water and the Leather Industry Water is no longer just a resource in leather manufacturing — it’s becoming the industry’s defining sustainability challenge and strategic opportunity. By Leather Naturally. In this new opinion piece from the Leather Naturally Impact Team, Aukje Berden, she explores why sustainable water management must move from compliance… Continue reading Water and the Leather Industry

26 May 2026 USA – China: Trump’s support for the meat-and-leather industry, including support for China Funds to participate in international initiatives promoting primary sector products and by-products. And the easing of relations with Beijing to favor red meat exports. The Trump administration, after causing so much trouble, is finally providing a boost to the… Continue reading USA – China: Trump’s support for the meat-and-leather industry, including support for China

26 May 2026 Italy – Assomac warns of mounting pressures, by @ILMEditor Italian machinery manufacturers association Assomac has concluded a nationwide series of industry meetings with a final stop in Arzignano, highlighting growing global competition and structural change facing manufacturers of tanning, footwear and leather goods technologies.

26 May 2026 Trade – China Reports Strong Growth in Leather Garment Exports and Imports in Q1 2026 According to official data released by the China Leather Industry Association, China’s leather garment exports reached $33.5 million from January to March 2026, the first quarter of 2026, rising 54.3% compared to the same period last year.… Continue reading Trade – China Reports Strong Growth in Leather Garment Exports and Imports in Q1 2026

26 May 2026 China’s retail sales rise 1.9% in January-April 2026 Picture: Shutterstock China’s retail sales of consumer goods increased 1.9 per cent year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, reflecting continued but moderate expansion in domestic consumption, according to official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday. Total retail sales… Continue reading China’s retail sales rise 1.9% in January-April 2026

21 May 2026 USA Exports – Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) Receives $1.65 Million Funding from USDA for Export Promotion The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) has received $1.65 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the newly launched American First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP). The funding… Continue reading Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) Receives $1.65 Million Funding from USDA for Export Promotion

21 May 2026 Tariffs – Trump’s Second-wave Tariffs Were Ruled Unlawful, but Importers Shouldn’t Count on Refunds Global 10 percent tariffs imposed under the Trump administration’s second-string trade strategy were deemed unlawful by the Court of International Trade this week. By Sourcing Journal

21 May 2026 Overproduction? Why Fashion’s ‘Rewear’ Economy Struggles The “Project Rewear” report by Fashion for Good argues that circularity efforts remain constrained by overproduction and weak resale economics. By Sourcing Journal

21 May 2026 France – Maud Rascle selected to lead next phase of CTC industry strategy Maud Rascle has been appointed Managing Director of CTC, effective April 1, 2026, following a three-month transition period alongside former Chief Executive Françoise Nicolas. By ILM

21 May 2026 China leather sector eyes growth in 2026 amid market recovery China’s leather industry is expected to maintain positive momentum in 2026, supported by recovering domestic demand, rising consumer confidence and continued growth in Belt and Road and Asean markets, according to insight released ahead of the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) in… Continue reading China leather sector eyes growth in 2026 amid market recovery

12 May 2026 Tariffs and Trade – Court of International Trade Declares Trump’s Global 10% Duties Illegal The CIT has dealt another blow to President Donald Trump’s tariff regime, ruling that his latest 10 percent tariffs, like the “reciprocal” duties that came before them, are unlawful.   Reference: WWD – Sourcing Journal

12 May 2026 Italy EUDR – UNIC welcomes EUDR decision but will keep its guard up UNIC president, Fabrizio Nuti, has said the topic of deforestation had been absorbing most of his energy since 2021. Italy’s main leather industry body UNIC has celebrated the exclusion of leather from the scope of the European Union Deforestation… Continue reading Italy EUDR – UNIC welcomes EUDR decision but will keep its guard up

12 May 2026 Leather industry urged to respond to EUDR consultation Gustavo González-Quijano, EU advocacy consultant and past secretary-general of the leather industry’s main representative body in the European Union, Cotance, has called on the global leather industry to take part in the European Commission’s public consultation on the proposed Delegated Act to amend, simplify… Continue reading Leather industry urged to respond to EUDR consultation

12 May 2026 APLF ASEAN 2026 lands in Jakarta Indonesia A great new meeting point for the leather industry   In a global context where productive relocation and supplier diversification have become strategic priorities, Southeast Asia emerges as one of the most dynamic territories for the leather, footwear and leather goods industry. In this scenario,… Continue reading APLF ASEAN 2026 lands in Jakarta Indonesia

12 May 2026 Africa – Egypt Opens Applications for 36 Leather Production and Industrial Units in Robbiki Leather City Cairo for Investment and Development Company (CID) has launched 36 new industrial units in the third phase of Robbiki Leather City in Badr City, Egypt. The move aims to boost investment in the leather manufacturing sector.… Continue reading Africa – Egypt Opens Applications for 36 Leather Production and Industrial Units in Robbiki Leather City

7 May 2026 Trade – India and New Zealand FTA to boost leather and footwear exports with duty free access Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal & Trade and Investment Todd McClay with Industry leaders launching ‘Agra World Capital of Footwear’ campaign. By Leather News. India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement (FTA) on 27… Continue reading Trade – India and New Zealand FTA to boost leather and footwear exports with duty free access

7 May 2026 Textiles – ‘Crisis After Crisis’: Brands Silent as Tariff and Oil Shocks Devastate Garment Workers Lack of information has made it difficult to assess the extent of the damage to garment workers’ livelihoods from tariffs and the Middle East conflict.   Reference: WWD – Sourcing Journal

7 May 2026 Italy expands on Kenya leather push Sace, Simest and Assomac have signed a new agreement to scale support for Italian leather technology companies in Kenya at the Italy–Kenya Business Forum in Rome., By @ILMEditor.   Reference: International Leather Maker

7 May 2026 Europe – Cowhide heading for exclusion from the EUDR, writes Euractiv According to Euractiv, a Brussels-based news agency closely monitoring the dynamics of EU institutions, bovine leather is moving toward exclusion from the EUDR. The process of simplifying the Anti-Deforestation Regulation is underway, and the publication of the EU Commission’s legislative act… Continue reading Europe – Cowhide heading for exclusion from the EUDR, writes Euractiv

27 April 2026 USA-China: LHCA and CLIA Present Interim Leather LCA and Carbon Footprint Accounting Results The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) and China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) held a seminar on March 13, 2026 in Hong Kong during APLF 2026 to present interim results of leather life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon… Continue reading LHCA and CLIA Present Interim Leather LCA and Carbon Footprint Accounting Results

27 April 2026 Shoe Industry News – adidas and Audi Formula 1 Team Unveil Special Collection for the Miami Grand Prix adidas and Audi Revolut Formula 1 team have unveiled their limited-edition Miami collection. By Footwear News. It’s the first of the duo’s joint special collections tied to 2026 F1 race weekends. Ahead of the… Continue reading Shoe Industry News – adidas and Audi Formula 1 Team Unveil Special Collection for the Miami Grand Prix

27 April 2026 Next Gen Inputs – The Fashion Pact, Fashion for Good Team for Circular Fibre Collective The Fashion Pact and Fashion for Good founded the cross-industry initiative to scale textile-to-textile recycling and the adoption of next-gen inputs. By Sourcing Journal

27 April 2026 Middle East Conflict – Why Fast Fashion Can’t Escape Hormuz Oil Crunch Rising oil costs are driving up polyester prices, adding pressure on brands like Shein that rely heavily on synthetic materials. By Sourcing Journal

27 April 2026 Indonesia – Jakarta pinned for Asean Indonesia 2026 Following the announcement at APLF Leather Fair in Hong Kong that the APLF Asean leather fair will head to Indonesia, further details have now been confirmed for the upcoming APLF Asean Indonesia 2026, including its official dates, venue and event format. By ILM. APLF… Continue reading Indonesia – Jakarta pinned for Asean Indonesia 2026

21 April 2026 Zimbabwe – ALLPI Urges Zimbabwe Leather Sector Players to Collaborate to Revive Industry The African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) called on Zimbabwe’s leather sector players to collaborate to solve poor quality and low capacity utilisation at a stakeholders workshop held in Bulawayo on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The institute said… Continue reading Zimbabwe – ALLPI Urges Zimbabwe Leather Sector Players to Collaborate to Revive Industry

21 April 2026 Logistics and Inflation – ‘Pressures Are Indeed Mounting’ from Iran War, Says Port of Long Beach CEO While the conflict has not impacted port volumes, NRF’s Jon Gold warns smaller retailers and consumers face a disproportionate impact from fuel-driven cost increases.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

21 April 2026 Leatherbiz Market Intelligence – Planning reliability is in short supply A new edition of our Market Intelligence newsletter went live on April 14. Our exclusive Leather Pipeline column points out that ongoing geopolitical tensions are resulting in higher transportation costs, longer lead times and significantly reduced planning reliability. By Leatherbiz. It says… Continue reading Leatherbiz Market Intelligence – Planning reliability is in short supply

21 April 2026 Middle East Crisis – European Airports Risk Jet Fuel Shortage by May Due to Hormuz Crisis Airports warned the E.U.’s transport commissioner of a “systemic” supply crunch within three weeks as Hormuz traffic stalls and fuel costs remain doubled from pre-war levels.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

9 April 2026 New EUDR Guidelines Released! The European Commission has published the 3rd Edition of the EUDR Supply Chain Infographics, providing essential updates on deforestation-free supply chain obligations for beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood. Learn more about simplified processes for small operators and traceability requirements. (Sustainable Leather Foundation). https://lnkd.in/eYdUWA-B

14 April 2026 Oil Rate Increases Could Mean Shoe Prices May Rise This Summer Oil has a role in every area of the shoe supply chain, and spikes in crude pricing over time means consumers will pay more for a pair of shoes. By #FootwearNews According to a recently released study from the Footwear Distributors… Continue reading Oil Rate Increases Could Mean Shoe Prices May Rise This Summer

14 April 2026 UNIC and Cotance to the EU Commission: “Hides and leather out of the EUDR” A strategic meeting at the European Parliament to urge the Commission to exclude cowhide from the EUDR . On April 8, Italy and UNIC – Concerie Italiane , at a meeting facilitated by Cotance (the Brussels-based association representing… Continue reading UNIC and Cotance to the EU Commission: “Hides and leather out of the EUDR”

9 April 2026 New EUDR Guidelines Released! The European Commission has published the 3rd Edition of the EUDR Supply Chain Infographics, providing essential updates on deforestation-free supply chain obligations for beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood. Learn more about simplified processes for small operators and traceability requirements. (Sustainable Leather Foundation). https://lnkd.in/eYdUWA-B

9 April 2026 India – Indian Leather Industry Bids Farewell to R Selvam IAS After 8 Year Tenure as CLE Executive Director The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) honoured R Selvam IAS, Executive Director of CLE, at a felicitation ceremony held at Taj Connemara, Chennai on April 2, 2026, recognising his service to the Indian… Continue reading India – Indian Leather Industry Bids Farewell to R Selvam IAS After 8 Year Tenure as CLE Executive Director

9 April 2026 COTANCE – Farewell to Gustavo González-Quijano March 31 was Gustavo González-Quijano’s last day at COTANCE. He has stepped down as secretary-general of the leather industry’s main representative body in the European Union after almost 40 years in the role. By Leatherbiz. In a farewell message, Mr González-Quijano said he was grateful for… Continue reading COTANCE – Farewell to Gustavo González-Quijano

9 April 2026 Brazil Leather Exports Fall 9.8% to $1.13 Billion in 2025: Full Breakdown by Product Type and Destination Brazil’s leather industry exported $1.13 billion worth of leather and hides in 2025, down 9.8% from 2024, even as shipment volumes rose 7.1% to 640,075 tons. According to SECEX data analysed by CICB shows that… Continue reading Brazil Leather Exports Fall 9.8% to $1.13 Billion in 2025: Full Breakdown by Product Type and Destination

31 March 2026 Shipping – Global Ocean Shipping Mostly Steady Despite Middle East Turbulence The global movement of goods via ocean freight has, thus far, remained largely unshaken by the war in Iran—though the impacts of the conflict may not yet be fully felt.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

31 March 2026 Logistics – Air Cargo Rates Jump 10% as Iran War Strains Capacity, Fuel Costs Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled from pre-war totals, prompting United Airlines to trim roughly 5 percent of its capacity through Q3. By Sourcing Journal   Reference: Sourcing Journal

31 March 2026 Footwear – How the War with Iran is Impacting the Footwear Sector Soaring oil prices could result in rising shoe prices in about a three-month timeframe. With the price of oil dominating headlines, costs for shoe firms are likely going up — but by how much may not be known for another… Continue reading Footwear – How the War with Iran is Impacting the Footwear Sector

31 March 2026 COTANCE – A decisive time for the leather industry The next few weeks will determine whether hides, skins and leather remain in Annex I of the #EUDR — and continue to be unfairly treated as drivers of deforestation — or are finally recognised for what they are: by-products of the food chain,… Continue reading COTANCE – A decisive time for the leather industry

26 March 2026 World Leather Day 2026 Leather Naturally is on a mission! We are turning World Leather Day 2026 into a high-energy campaign filled with fresh perspectives and accessible content designed to ignite the entire leather community. We sat down with Leather Naturally Board member and Communications Lead, Jim Deheer, to find out what… Continue reading World Leather Day 2026

26 March 2026 Trump Doubles Down on ‘Absolute Right’ to Levy Duties Trump said the Supreme Court “pointed out” that he has the authority to impose tariffs “in another form, and have already started to do so.” Read More

26 March 2026 Leatherbiz Market Intelligence: Impressions of APLF, plus war worries A new issue of our exclusive Market Intelligence newsletter went live on March 17. In this issue, we bring you some immediate impressions of the 2026 APLF exhibition, which took place in Hong Kong from March 12-14. The event clearly remains an important… Continue reading Leatherbiz Market Intelligence: Impressions of APLF, plus war worries

26 March 2026 APLF 2026 Concludes After 3 Days of Global Leather Industry Gathering in Hong Kong APLF 2026, one of the world’s major leather and fashion materials trade fairs, concluded on March 14 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre after three days of business meetings, conferences and networking among global industry participants.… Continue reading APLF 2026 Concludes After 3 Days of Global Leather Industry Gathering in Hong Kong

20 March 2026 World Leather Day – Make It Leather! Make it Leather! This World Leather Day campaign is a unifying call to action that aligns our stakeholders across the global leather industry around one clear principle: make intentional, responsible material choices. By Leather Naturally. With 6 weeks to go, our brand new theme for… Continue reading World Leather Day – Make It Leather!

20 March 2026 Trade – China’s Exports Surge to Start 2026, but Mask Slowing Economy Outbound shipments soared 21.8 percent to $656.6 billion despite an 11 percent drop in U.S.-bound cargo as tariffs and shifting demand reshape China’s trade flows.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

20 March 2026 Tariffs – Phase 2: Trump Trade War Advances with Launch of Sprawling Section 301 Probe The next tariff tempest is brewing, with the Office of the United States Trade Representative announcing Section 301 investigations into more than a dozen U.S. trading partners.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

20 March 2026 Logistics – Middle East Tensions Raise Fresh Fears for Indian Leather and Footwear Exporters Indian leather, leather products and footwear exporters are growing anxious as tensions in the Middle East threaten to disturb global trade routes. With global trade routes passing through sensitive zones many in the industry fear that a prolonged… Continue reading Logistics – Middle East Tensions Raise Fresh Fears for Indian Leather and Footwear Exporters

20 March 2026 Impact of Iran War – The inflationary impulse of the war in Iran is affecting the supply chain By La Conceria Gas and oil prices are rising, as are insurance and transport prices, while the European Central Bank is considering raising interest rates to counter inflation. And the first effects of the… Continue reading Impact of Iran War – The inflationary impulse of the war in Iran is affecting the supply chain

20 March 2026 Hong Kong – The path is clear for climate-positive leather, UNIC president says The president of Italy’s national leather manufacturing representative body, UNIC, Fabrizio Nuti, has said there are now “documented cases” of tanners producing carbon-neutral leather. By Leatherbiz. Making the opening remarks at a presentation on Leather Leaders, a new supply… Continue reading Hong Kong – The path is clear for climate-positive leather, UNIC president says

9 March 2026 Tariff Refunds – Court of International Trade Orders CBP to Proceed with Tariff Refunds The Trump administration’s increasingly shaky trade agenda has been dealt another decisive blow.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

9 March 2026 Shoe Industry News – How Footwear Firms Are Preparing for a Potential 15 Percent Global Tariff By Vicki M. Young Global tariffs for shoe firms are going up by another five percent, and they could happen as early as this week. By Footwear News. That was the word from U.S. Treasury Secretary… Continue reading Shoe Industry News – How Footwear Firms Are Preparing for a Potential 15 Percent Global Tariff

9 March 2026 Luxury Outlook – Luxury Shares Fall, and Business Will Suffer from Renewed Conflict in the Middle East In a report following the U.S. strikes on Iran, and retaliatory ones in the region, RBC Capital Markets said flight cancellations and the attacks on Dubai in particular will impact luxury demand.   Reference: Sourcing… Continue reading Luxury Shares Fall, and Business Will Suffer from Renewed Conflict in the Middle East

9 March 2026 Business – China Sets 4.5 to 5 Percent 2026 Growth Target, Outlines Retail Playbook Offline consumption and the revitalization of retail in lower-tiered cities were highlighted in this year’s Government Work Report.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

3 March 2026 Trade – Argentina deepens political ties with U.S. in trade deal Argentina and the United States have signed a wide-ranging trade and investment agreement that will cut hundreds of reciprocal tariffs and deepen political ties between the two governments. By @ILMEditor.   More Details

3 March 2026 Shoe Industry News – Shoe Industry in ‘Unchartered Waters’ Over Trump’s Tariff Moves By Vicki M. Young   U.S. President Donald Trump‘s unprecedented global reciprocal tariff policy under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), now deemed illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court, has raised a lot of uncertainty in the footwear… Continue reading Shoe Industry News – Shoe Industry in ‘Unchartered Waters’ Over Trump’s Tariff Moves

3 March 2026 More on US Import Tariffs – The Supreme Court ruling did not end the Trade War, on the contrary Anyone who thought the Supreme Court could end Trump’s trade war once and for all was sadly mistaken. Since the morning of February 24th, a new global tariff of 10% planned by the… Continue reading More on US Import Tariffs – The Supreme Court ruling did not end the Trade War, on the contrary

3 March 2026 IULTCS Announces 3 Winners of Young Leather Scientist Grant 2026 IULTCS has officially announced that the Young Leather Scientist Grant YLSG 2026 winners are finally out and the global leather industry now knows the three bright minds shaping its future. By Leather News. fter a detailed international evaluation by the IULTCS jury… Continue reading IULTCS Announces 3 Winners of Young Leather Scientist Grant 2026

25 February 2026 Tariffs – Trump brings in new 10% tariff as Supreme Court rejects his global import taxes US President Donald Trump has imposed a new 10% global tariff to replace ones struck down by the Supreme Court, calling the ruling “terrible” and lambasting the justices who rejected his trade policy as “fools”. By… Continue reading Tariffs – Trump brings in new 10% tariff as Supreme Court rejects his global import taxes

25 February 2026 APLF Report – Opinions and signs on the recovery in the leather industry in 2026 After two years of slowdown and adjustments in the world economy, 2026 is shaping up to be a period of moderate but sustained recovery for the global leather business and its manufactures, especially high-end ones. This was… Continue reading APLF Report – Opinions and signs on the recovery in the leather industry in 2026

25 February 2026 Europe – Edoardo De Paola to Take Over as COTANCE Secretary General from April 2026 COTANCE has confirmed a key leadership transition with the appointment of Edoardo De Paola as Deputy Secretary General ahead of his move into the top role in April 2026. By Leather News. The decision was welcomed by… Continue reading Europe – Edoardo De Paola to Take Over as COTANCE Secretary General from April 2026

25 February 2026 Trade – China Grants Duty-Free Access for Nearly All Products from Africa Weeks after the United States Congress approved a bill extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act, China’s government has passed its own legislation solidifying trade with 53 African nations.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

20 February 2026 Welcome to the Year of the Horse Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year is from Tue, Feb 17, 2026 – Tue, Mar 3, 2026′ 2026 is the year of the Horse or the Fire Horse. Watch the video for a great explanation of this cultural phenomenon.   

20 February 2026 Trade – US-Taiwan Trade Agreement Slashes Tariffs and Boosts Investment Taiwan has agreed to remove 99 percent of tariffs on the United States as the result of a newly completed reciprocal trade agreement announced by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).   Reference: Sourcing Journal

20 February 2026 Tariffs – House Blocks Bid to Safeguard Trump’s Tariffs, Votes to End Canadian Duties In a blow to President Donald Trump’s trade agenda, House lawmakers voted down a bid by Republicans to block challenges to his expansive tariff scheme.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

20 February 2026 India – CLE Sets $50 Billion Turnover Target for Indian Leather and Footwear Industry by FY2029-30 The Council for Leather Exports, at a press conference held on January 31, 2026 ahead of the 39th India International Leather Fair, outlined its growth projections and current challenges. By Leather News. CLE Executive Director Mr.… Continue reading India – CLE Sets $50 Billion Turnover Target for Indian Leather and Footwear Industry by FY2029-30

20 February 2026 EUDR Update: Information System access restricted for updates We would like to notify you that temporary access limitations will apply to the EUDR Information System from 16 February. The exact reopening date will be communicated in mid-April, with the system reopening shortly thereafter. Reported by the Sustainable Leather Foundation. This temporary measure… Continue reading EUDR Update: Information System access restricted for updates

11 February 2026 Trade – Trump Touts Trade Deal with India, Drastically Slashing Duties Following months of tariff tensions and protracted trade negotiations, India and the United States have reached a truce, President Donald Trump revealed Monday.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

11 February 2026 Trade – EU emerges as growth market for Indian leather amid US slowdown, by @ILMEditor Indian leather exporters are increasingly pivoting towards the European Union (EU) as shipments to the U.S. weaken, positioning Europe as a key growth market for the sector.   Reference: ILM

11 February 2026 Leather Supply Chain Conference 2026 – Organised by APLF and ILM Magazine Date: 11 March 2026 Time: 12:30 – 17:00 Location: Meeting Room N101B, Level 1, HKCEC Schedule Time: 12:15 – 13:00: Registration / Coffee / Networking 13:00 – 15:00: Conference 15:00 – 15:30: Networking Coffee Break 15:30 – 17:00: Conference  … Continue reading Leather Supply Chain Conference 2026 – Organised by APLF and ILM Magazine

11 February 2026 Africa – Tannery park to be relocated after SEZ withdrawal, by @ILMEditor Plans to develop a tannery park in Rwanda’s Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) have been shelved after the zone’s new operator declined to host the project, prompting the government to seek an alternative site.   Reference: ILM

6 February 2026 India, EU reach landmark trade deal, tariffs to be slashed on most goods Summary India-EU deal to reduce tariffs on nearly 97% of EU exports India’s tariffs on EU cars to fall sharply to 10% over years EU to cut tariffs on 99.5% of Indian goods Trade pact to save European firms… Continue reading India, EU reach landmark trade deal, tariffs to be slashed on most goods

6 February 2026 Trade – EU Forges Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam Days after signing a landmark trade deal with India, the European Union has forged an expanded trade agreement with Vietnam.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

6 February 2026 India – Profile of leather exports India’s leather industry already has a strong global footprint. Indian leather, leather products and footwear are exported to more than 150 countries showing wide acceptance across developed and emerging markets. By Leather News. In FY 2023-24 India exported $4.69 billion worth of leather, leather products and… Continue reading India – Profile of leather exports

6 February 2026 Indian export sectors push for zero-duty access to EU markets Key Indian export sectors including leather, apparel and manufacturing are seeking zero-duty access to the European Union as negotiations around the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) gather momentum. By ILM. Industry leaders say tariff-free access would significantly improve India’s competitiveness in… Continue reading Indian export sectors push for zero-duty access to EU markets

30 January 2026 US – China TRADE: Bessent Says China Deal on Track, House Democrats Aim to Force Vote on Trump’s Tariff Authority President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could meet up to four times in 2026 as the United States and China inch toward the finalization of a comprehensive trade agreement.  … Continue reading US – China TRADE

30 January 2026 Tariff Turbulence – Trump Walks Back European Tariff Threat Over Greenland Dispute After threatening to levy duties on European nations for their defense of Greenland against potential U.S. rule, President Donald Trump has revoked last weekend’s edict.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

30 January 2026 Trade: Signing of EU – Mercosur trade agreement complete European business associations have welcomed the signing of the EU–Mercosur Trade Agreement, describing it as a historic step that creates the world’s largest trading bloc and sends a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to open, rules-based global trade. By ILM. Representing more… Continue reading Trade: Signing of EU – Mercosur trade agreement complete

30 January 2026 Defending Leather Terminology: Italy’s UNIC – Italian Tanneries – Reaffirms its Commitment For years we have been committed to restoring proper terminology in the leather sector. It is a pity that our efforts and those of the entire sector to obtain and offer a material of excellence and sustainability are often “exploited”… Continue reading Defending Leather Terminology

23 January 2026 Trade – EU Votes for Mercosur Trade Deal, Creating World’s Largest Free Trade Zone European Union has finalized a trade deal with Latin American nations more than two decades in the making that will result in the largest global free trade zone on record.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

23 January 2026 Trade – China’s US Exports Plunge 30% in December as Trade Surplus Hits Record US$1.18 trillion Tariffs continue to choke U.S.-bound shipments, but China is offsetting losses with surging exports to ASEAN, Europe and emerging markets.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

23 January 2026 China reduced import tariffs on wet blue hides and skins by 2026 China has announced a new round of changes to import tariffs by 2026, aiming to support domestic manufacturing and reduce costs for key industries. The Tariff Commission of the State Council recently published the tariff schedule that came into effect… Continue reading China reduced import tariffs on wet blue hides and skins by 2026

23 January 2026 China Footwear Industry Exports 7.42 Billion Pairs Worth $34.5 Billion in First 10 Months of 2025 According to official data released by the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) China’s footwear industry faced a slowdown in the first 10 months of 2025 with sales exports and imports all moving lower. By leather News.… Continue reading China Footwear Industry Exports 7.42 Billion Pairs Worth $34.5 Billion in First 10 Months of 2025

23 January 2026 China Automotive Market: 2025 Results and 2026 Outlook Key Statistics and Analysis Based on CAAM DataCina’s Total Vehicle Sales in 2025 According to the latest available statistics, China’s total vehicle sales in 2025 reached approximately 33 million units. This figure reflects the continued strength and resilience of the Chinese automotive market, which… Continue reading China Automotive Market: 2025 Results and 2026 Outlook

16 January 2026 China reduces import tariffs on wet-blue hides and skins China is reducing import tariffs on wet-blue leather in 2026 as part of a broader tariff-cutting policy for raw materials used by its textile and leather industries. By ILM.

16 January 2026 Leather Industry – Market Intelligence: A call for courage in 2026 New leadership has been announced for the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) following its 184th Committee of Administration meeting held in Chennai on January 6, 2026. By ILM. Ramesh Kumar Juneja has assumed the role of Chairman of the CLE, which… Continue reading Leather Industry – Market Intelligence: A call for courage in 2026

16 January 2026 US – India Trade Trump Reprises Tariff Threats Against India Over Russian Oil Buys   Click to read more.

16 January 2026 Italy – Leather Industry A surprise from the leather supply chain: there are those who are hiring Despite the economic downturn that has gripped the sector since 2023—and in some ways, in reaction to it—in the December issue of the monthly magazine La Conceria (“Another Year”), we report on a certain excitement… Continue reading Italy – Leather Industry

16 January 2026 India – New leadership for the Council for Leather Exports New leadership has been announced for the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) following its 184th Committee of Administration meeting held in Chennai on January 6, 2026. By ILM. Ramesh Kumar Juneja has assumed the role of Chairman of the CLE, which functions… Continue reading India – New leadership for the Council for Leather Exports

9 January 2026 Retail – China retail sales rise 4% in Jan–Nov 2025 China’s retail sales of consumer goods rose 4 per cent year on year (YoY) in the first 11 months of 2025 to ¥45.61 trillion (~$6.45 trillion), data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed. Urban retail sales increased 3.9 per cent… Continue reading Retail – China retail sales rise 4% in Jan–Nov 2025

9 January 2026 China – Economy: IMF lifts China’s 2025 GDP growth forecast to 5% The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently revised up by 0.2 percentage points its forecast for China’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth this year to 5 per cent year on year (YoY) from its October estimate. The team also lifted its… Continue reading China – Economy: IMF lifts China’s 2025 GDP growth forecast to 5%

9 January 2026 China Automotive – China’s EV exports soar by nearly 90% Exports of Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) saw a dramatic increase in November, jumping 87% year-on-year, according to official data that reflected a global expansion of the Chinese auto industry into international markets. During that month, Chinese manufacturers shipped 199,836 EVs abroad, driven… Continue reading China Automotive – China’s EV exports soar by nearly 90%

9 January 2026 APLF Report – A rising Chinese market will mark the shift in gear in 2026 At the end of a year in which not all business expectations were fully met, it is time to try, as far as possible, to analyze the times to come. Undoubtedly, for leather production, including the high-end… Continue reading APLF Report – A rising Chinese market will mark the shift in gear in 2026

5 January 2026 US Tariffs – Bessent says Supreme Court tariff ruling, Fed chair pick expected in January Scott Bessent warns Supreme Court’s tariff ruling risks national security: ‘A loss for the American people’. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to warn the SCOTUS ruling could impact national security, discuss President Donald… Continue reading US Tariffs – Bessent says Supreme Court tariff ruling, Fed chair pick expected in January

5 January 2026 Taiwanese tanner invests in new Indonesian plant A Taiwan headquartered tanning group is building a new tannery in Indonesia and expanding its manufacturing footprint in Southeast Asia. The new facility will begin production in 2026.   Reference: https://internationalleathermaker.com/taiwanese-tanner-invests-in-new-indonesian-plant/

5 January 2026 Redwood Comment – What happened with leather in 2025 Mike Redwood reflects on 2025, the peaks and challenges the leather industry has faced, as well as what might come from 2026. From footwear trends to persisting anti-leather arguments, he takes 2025’s lessons and suggests some hopeful next steps.   Read more: https://internationalleathermaker.com/what-happened-with-leather-in-2025/

5 January 2026 APLF 2026 in Hong Kong – Leather Supply Chain Conference 2026 to kick off ahead of APLF Organised by International Leather Maker (ILM), the Leather Supply Chain Conference 2026 will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, serving as a key pre-event to APLF 2026 in Hong Kong.   Read more from… Continue reading APLF 2026 in Hong Kong

11 December 2025 Trade At USTR Hearing in Washington, Industry Groups Urge Extension of US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Industry advocates and policy experts largely argued on behalf of the program’s extension as it comes up for review next year.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

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