This year's All-China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) was the 25th edition of this trade fair that held its first edition in Beijing in 1998. It took place from 3 to 5 September at the New International Expo Centre in Pudong, Shanghai. The event covered a total exhibition area of 80,500 square meters and 7 halls of international and domestic tanneries, materials, machinery and chemical suppliers.

On the first day of the fair, 3 September, ACLE Press Conference took place within the hall of the New International Expo Centre. Michael Duck, Executive Vice President of Commercial Development of Informa Markets, took the floor as first, introducing to the media the situation of the industry and the position of ACLE at a global level.

“This year has posed significant challenges for many industries, including leather and apparel. Since April, the United States has implemented sweeping tariffs on imports, disrupting trade flows and creating uncertainty. Supply chains have been affected, logistics have become more complex, and consumer confidence has fluctuated. However, history shows us that industries are resilient and capable of adapting. In the medium to long term, we anticipate that this new trade framework will be integrated and accepted as part of global commerce”.

“It is worth recalling that ACLE – he continued – has faced storms before. Since its launch 27 years ago in Beijing, the exhibition has weathered the international financial crisis, the collapse in hide prices in 2009, and the severe disruption of the pandemic. Each time, ACLE emerged stronger. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, the show achieved record attendance, as buyers flocked to Shanghai in search of suppliers and new opportunities. That resilience stems not only from ACLE itself but from China’s economic strength. The automotive industry is one good example. Over 30 million new vehicles were registered in both 2023 and 2024. Sales this year are already running 15 per cent ahead of last year, and the final total is expected to surpass previous records by this December. This alone underscores how demand for leather continues to find a home in China”.

Since 2014, the industry has lived with low prices and uneven demand. Global demand for red meat has created an oversupply of hides, many of which have gone to waste. At the same time, synthetics have continued to gain market share, particularly in footwear. The rise of the sneaker sector has only made this trend more pronounced. “To address this issue, we need to educate consumers about the benefits of leather. It’s a sustainable, natural, and durable material that plays a key role in the circular economy. Plus, it’s a by-product of red meat”.

“As we look to the future, ACLE remains a strong symbol of resilience and adaptability. It has successfully navigated past challenges and is well-equipped to face the current uncertainties. The mission remains the same: to serve the global leather trade by providing a trusted platform where business, collaboration, and innovation come together”.

Li Yuzhong, Vice Chairman of China National Light Industry Council and Chairman of China Leather Industry Association, took then the floor to illustrate an overview of China leather industry.

“Affected by weak domestic and international demand, the industry faced downward pressure” he began.

Weak market demand, and competition from alternative materials are the toughest challenges the industry has to face. On the other side, luckily, it may count on its opportunities, like domestic market potential, technological innovation, as well as leather promotion.

“Looking ahead to 2025, China’s leather industry will face both opportunities and pressures. Domestic demand will continue to recover, while international markets, particularly the U.S., will remain under strain. Overall, the industry is expected to remain stable, with production holding steady and the decline in imports and exports narrowing. The market will increasingly favor enterprises with strong R&D and innovation. China’s leather industry will continue to play a vital role in supporting global development”.

Despite economic and geopolitical headwinds, ACLE remains China’s leading leather industry event. Visitors can source everything from raw hides to finished leather, specialist chemicals, and manufacturing components. The fair covers the tanning, footwear, fashion accessories, automotive, and furniture sectors. It offers a premier platform for tracking global sourcing trends and meeting top suppliers.

Looking at the economic scenario and background that led to this edition, since 2 April, when President Trump announced sweeping import tariffs on all US trade partners, commercial activity has been disrupted. This has slowed production planning in apparel, leather, leather goods, and footwear.

Despite fluctuating demand in H12025 due to external circumstances, China remains Asia’s main importer of leather of all types offering ample export opportunities to other leather producing nations.