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 Shanghai.
APLF Ltd said that China’s leather sector showed resilience throughout 2025 despite a “complex and volatile market environment”, with tanning, footwear, luggage, automotive leather and upholstery leather all continuing to play an important role in the market.
Trade data highlighted the scale of the sector, with total leather industry exports reaching US$82.72 billion in 2025, while imports totalled US$15.53 billion. Footwear remained the largest export category at US$41.55 billion, followed by luggage and bags at US$29.89 billion.
China’s tanning industry imports were valued at US$2.54 billion in 2025, including US$1.13 billion in hides and skins imports, US$840 million in semi-finished leather and US$570 million in finished leather.
The report said automotive and furniture leather are expected to remain key demand drivers in 2026, while technological innovation and stronger R&D capabilities are increasingly shaping competitiveness across the sector.
ACLE 2026 will take place in Shanghai from September 1-3 and is expected to feature more than 1,000 exhibitors and over 31,000 visitors from 25 countries.
京公网安备 11010202009378号
