According to a new report from Leather UK, the UK leather industry faced another challenging year in 2025, with export values falling 14.1% to £159.5 million (US$213.89 million) as weak demand and ongoing price pressure continued to impact global markets.
Export volumes declined by just 2.1%, indicating that demand had stabilised somewhat despite lower returns. Raw materials, part-processed leather and finished leather all recorded falls in export value.
Imports also declined, down 11.2% in value to £99.5 million (US$133.43 million) and 15.5% in volume. While imports of part-processed leather increased, imports of both raw materials and finished leather continued their downward trend, reflecting difficult trading conditions across the sector.
The European Union remained the UK’s most important trading partner, accounting for around 80% of leather imports. However, Leather UK said trade continued to be affected by Brexit, weakness in the European automotive sector and broader economic stagnation.
Key export markets included Italy and China for raw hides, Italy for part-processed leather and Morocco for finished bovine leather. Italy remained the dominant supplier of finished leather to the UK.
The leather goods sector also remained under pressure. The UK recorded a leather goods trade deficit of more than £306 million (US$410.35 million) in 2025, with exports falling 15% in value and 27% in volume. Handbags, wallets and similar products saw the steepest declines, which the report linked to weaker consumer confidence and the continuing impact of Brexit.
The report provides a detailed breakdown of UK leather and leather goods trade flows, market trends and key trading partners across individual product categories. Read the full report here.
京公网安备 11010202009378号
