The French leather, footwear and leather goods sector delivered a mixed performance in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to data published by Alliance France Cuir.
While some manufacturing segments recorded growth, challenges remained across footwear distribution and parts of the export market.
Upstream activity presented a contrasting picture. Slaughtering volumes declined for cattle (-1.2%) and calves (-8.3%) but increased significantly for sheep (+15%) and goats (+32.2%). Despite the mixed raw material supply situation, turnover in the tanning and leather processing sector rose 19.9%.
Production of finished leathers showed strong gains in several categories. Output increased for cattle hides (+9.3%), calfskins (+2.6%) and goatskins (+21.2%), although sheepskin production fell 7%. Despite these advances, manufacturing companies recorded a 9.9% decline in turnover and overall footwear production fell 13%.
In footwear distribution, like-for-like sales declined 1.9%. However, sales volumes increased 3.2%, suggesting that lower average prices, which fell 3.5%, helped support demand. Footwear manufacturing turnover rose 10.9%, while production of women’s handbags across all materials increased 5.6%.
Foreign trade data revealed continued pressure on several product categories. Imports of raw hides and skins fell 30%, while exports declined 16%. In tanning and finishing, imports increased 2% and exports rose 11%, indicating stronger international demand for processed leather products. Footwear imports fell 8% and exports slipped 1%. In leather goods, imports declined 6% and exports were down 4%. Within this category, exports of small leather goods dropped sharply by 22%, while watch strap imports increased 25%.
One of the more resilient segments was leather gloves. Overall exports remained stable, while exports of city gloves increased 2%. The reptile leather category also performed well, with exports of raw reptile skins rising 13% and exports of finished reptile leather increasing 10%.
Overall, the first quarter figures suggest that France’s leather sector entered 2026 with encouraging growth in tanning activity, finished leather production and selected manufacturing segments. Nevertheless, weaker footwear retail performance, declining trade in several categories and lower manufacturing turnover in parts of the industry highlight the continuing challenges facing the sector.
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