France's leather industry recorded mixed results during the first five months of 2026, with growth in the tanning and leather goods sectors offset by weaker performance in footwear and a declining raw hide and skin trade, according to the latest economic report from Alliance France Cuir.

Turnover in the tanning and leather dressing sector increased by 10.4% year-on-year between January and May, with finished bovine leather production rising 9.3% and goat leather production up 11%. However, calf leather production slipped 0.9% and sheepskin production fell 13.4%. Exports of tanned leather products rose 9%, while imports increased 2%.

The footwear sector remained under pressure, with manufacturers’ turnover declining 7.1% and total production down 11.8%. Footwear imports fell 8% and exports decreased 2%. Despite this, comparable sales at footwear retailers edged up 0.6%, supported by a 6.2% increase in volumes, although average selling prices fell 4%.

Leather goods continued to perform strongly, with manufacturers’ turnover rising 10.4% and women’s handbag production increasing 8.6%. Imports declined 3% and exports fell 5% over the period.

In the raw hides and skins sector, French slaughter numbers fell 4% for cattle and 9.3% for calves, while sheep and goat slaughter increased slightly. Imports and exports of raw hides and skins both declined 15% by value compared with the same period in 2025.

审核：雒霞