The Italian leather industry has reported third quarter results which show tentative signs of recovery for the sector.
The sector saw turnover down 1.4% year-on-year, a smaller decline than the 4.3% drop in Q2 and 6.4% fall in Q1, according to Confindustria Accessori Moda. Full-year 2025 is forecast to close 3.2% lower, at just over €29 billion, following a sharp 8.6% contraction in 2024.
Production indicators and industrial output data suggest an improvement in recent months, although exports remain weak. Sales abroad reached €16 billion in the first eight months of 2025, down 4.1% on 2024, with strong gains in the UAE and Turkey offset by declines in China, Japan and South Korea.
Employment support measures, including reduced use of Italy’s Wage Guarantee Fund in Q3, point to stabilisation, but company and employee numbers are still down 2.8% since December 2024. The sector is also grappling with EU sustainability requirements, skills shortages and the need for stronger international promotion.
Industry leaders are hopeful the EU-Mercosur agreement could open new opportunities, while major trade fairs such as Micam and Mipel are expected to help drive recovery in 2026.
Confindustria Accessori Moda president Giovanna Ceolini urged government support to help companies to not just survive, but to thrive, as the sector works to regain momentum.
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