The series of meetings organized by
Assomac in
Arzignano is concluded. The aim was to examin the actual conditions of the Italian sector for tanning, footwear, and leather goods technologies amid a period of growing complexity. The association brought together companies and financial partners to discuss business continuity, governance, and industrial strategies in a rapidly changing global context. This economic report presented during the session reveals a solid sector, yet one facing
increasingly intense competitive pressures. The globalization of supply chains and the polarization of markets are reshaping historical balances. And while China attempts to overtake the market, Assomac focuses on quality and networking.
Assomac focuses on quality and networking
Following stops in Vigevano, Santa Croce, and Civitanova, the tour highlighted how the Italian supply chain is now exposed to global dynamics that affect its resilience. The Assomac Research Center’s analysis examines nearly three decades of evolution to provide a clear picture of the situation. The sector is financially strong and well-balanced, but growth is slowing and international competition is intensifying. By 2024, China had surpassed Italy to become the world’s leading exporter of technologies for the sector, dominating particularly in footwear machinery thanks to its ability to serve high-volume markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.
Italy, on the other hand, retains its leadership in machinery for tanneries, leather goods, and spare parts, where quality, customization, and integration with manufacturing remain a distinctive competitive advantage. The Italian model, based on an integrated system of technology and production, continues to guarantee high standards, but declining volumes and a focus on premium segments require new strategies.
The levers for remaining relevant
To maintain a central role on the global stage, companies will need to strengthen their governance, financial structure, and capacity for innovation. The issue of business continuity (including generational transitions, corporate structures, and family agreements) emerges as crucial in an industry largely composed of family-owned businesses. Alongside this, mergers, partnerships, and the sharing of expertise are becoming increasingly important, as they are essential tools for navigating more complex and cyclical markets.
Exports remain the sector’s driving force: in 2024, they exceeded 290 million euros, with tanning technologies and spare parts accounting for a growing share compared to footwear machinery. Insurance solutions for exports and advanced financial instruments thus play a strategic role in supporting internationalization and growth. As President Mauro Bergozza noted, platforms such as Simac Tanning Tech have become hubs where industry, innovation, and the market converge: all fundamental to strengthening the competitiveness of the Italian system.
Photo from the May 6 meeting in Civitanova Marche, Assomac’s LinkedIn profile
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