30 September 2026
France – In the French leather semester, some light among many shadows
The summary data shows that in the first six months of 2026, the French leather industry saw both exports ( -2%) and imports ( -5%) decline. In short, the outlook remains critical. But amidst the shadows, some light shines. The tables from the industry association Alliance France Cuir, for example, show a certain dynamism in foreign trade for French tanneries. And, albeit faint, a return to positive territory in China, a strategic market accounting for 15% of foreign turnover. By La Conceria.
Some light among many shadows
Among the bright spots in the French supply chain, as we were sayi.ng, are the tanneries’ results, which in the January-June period recorded an 11% increase in exports and a 10% increase in turnover. Exporters of raw hides cannot be considered so fortunate, suffering a 14% decline. The greatest shadows are concentrated in the finished leather product sector (whose foreign turnover is worth 9 of the total 9.2 billion). Exports recorded an overall -1.5% decline, but within the general stability, the United States (-10%) and Japan (-7%) suffered slumps. Not all markets are the same: these are the two most generous destinations. While the average customs price of bags sent to European countries is 159 euros, that of the same shipments to the USA is 470 euros, while to Asia it is 873 euros.
Between China and France
The 0.7% increase in finished products in China, as we were saying, is giving Alliance France Cuir a sigh of relief. But only a partial one, as trade with the People’s Republic came from a 4% decline in 2025 compared to 2024 and is therefore far from having recovered. Imports of leather and leather products into France are also declining (-5%, worth €6.5 billion). Reflecting weak domestic consumption, AFC comments: retail footwear sales fell 4.1% and leather goods sales 12.5%, while the Bank of France estimates that French purchasing power has fallen 0.4%.
