The All-China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) continues to strengthen its position as a leading business platform for companies aiming to enter and expand within China’s leather industry. Marking its 25th edition since its debut in Beijing in 1998, ACLE 2026 is set to take place from 1 to 3 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong, Shanghai.
Spanning an impressive 80,500 square meters across seven halls, the exhibition will host around 1,000 exhibitors, representing the full leather supply chain—from international and domestic tanneries to suppliers of materials, machinery, and chemicals. The event offers a comprehensive showcase of innovations and solutions shaping the future of leather and footwear manufacturing.
At the ACLE 2026 press conference held in Hong Kong on 13 March, Janice Lee, Vice President of Informa Markets in Asia and Director of APLF, highlighted ACLE’s significance. She emphasized that the event brings together the entire supply chain and serves as a key platform for global chemical suppliers to introduce new products and technologies directly to the Chinese market. The previous edition attracted over 32,000 visitors, reaffirming ACLE’s importance as a premier sourcing event.
Looking ahead, the 26th edition of ACLE is already scheduled for 1–3 September 2026 at the same venue, reflecting strong continuity and demand for the exhibition. Despite global uncertainties and softer leather demand in 2025, exhibitor interest for 2026 remains robust, particularly among manufacturers from China’s key production provinces.
According to the China Leather Industry Association and APLF Limited, the outlook for China’s leather industry in 2026 is optimistic, even after a challenging 2025. While total sales revenue declined by 13.1% year-on-year and exports fell by 10%, reaching USD 83 billion, China continues to outperform many competing markets and remains a critical hub for global leather trade.
One of the most promising growth areas is the automotive sector. With vehicle sales surpassing 33 million units in 2025 and approximately 20% featuring leather interiors, demand for finished leather—especially for upholstery—continues to rise, creating new opportunities for suppliers.
With nearly six months remaining before the start of ACLE 2026, the global landscape remains uncertain. Geopolitical tensions, evolving tariff policies affecting world trade, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East could either ease, helping to stabilise markets, or intensify further, tightening both commercial and political conditions. In the short to medium term, such developments may continue to challenge global trade flows and business confidence.
Despite these uncertainties, ACLE provides participants with the chance to connect with existing clients, establish new contacts, and network with industry peers. The trade fair also serves as a valuable source of market intelligence, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and shape future strategies. Supported by a series of concurrent events, ACLE remains an indispensable gathering for leather professionals worldwide.
Regardless of how global dynamics evolve, ACLE stands as China’s definitive event for the leather sector—bringing together exhibitors and buyers in a grand platform that integrates new products, technologies, and fashion trends, while injecting fresh momentum into the development of the global leather industry.
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