Explore the world’s major leather import markets

Leather is a highly sought-after material that can be used to make a wide range of products, from shoes and handbags to furniture and car interiors. As such, the global leather market is a lucrative industry, with billions of dollars worth of leather products imported each year. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the world’s best leather import markets, based on data from the IndexBox market intelligence platform.

Also read: U.S. patent leather exports surged by $208,000 in June 2023

1. China

China is the world’s largest leather import market, with imports of $1.6 billion in 2023. China’s booming manufacturing industry and growing consumer market make it a key player in the global leather market. China imports leather from several countries including Italy, Vietnam and Indonesia.

2. Italy

Italy is the second largest leather import market, with imports of $1.3 billion in 2023. The country is known for its high-quality leather products, from luxury handbags to designer shoes. Italy also exports large quantities of leather to other countries around the world.

3. Vietnam

Vietnam is another major import market for leather, with imports valued at $1.2 billion in 2023. The country’s thriving textile and garment industry has a high demand for leather, leading to a steady increase in imports over the years.

4. France

France imported $631.5 million worth of leather in 2023, making it one of the largest leather import markets in the world. France is well known for its high fashion industry, and many luxury brands source their leather from French suppliers.

5. Indonesia

Indonesia is a key player in the global leather market, with leather imports valued at $487.2 million in 2023. The country’s growing economy and expanding manufacturing sector have fueled demand for leather products, leading to a significant increase in imports.

6. United States

The United States is the main import market for leather, with imports of $443 million in 2023. The United States has a large consumer market that needs a variety of leather products, from clothing to furniture.

7. Spain

Spain imported $437.5 million worth of leather in 2023, making it one of the world’s largest leather import markets. The country is known for its high-quality leather goods, from shoes to handbags, which are exported to markets around the world.

8. Thailand

Thailand is a key player in the global leather market, with leather imports valued at $399.7 million in 2023. The country’s growing economy and expanding manufacturing sector have led to an increase in demand for leather products, thereby driving the growth in imports.

9. India

India is another major leather import market, with imports valued at $376.9 million in 2023. The country is known for its rich tradition of leather craftsmanship, with many artisans producing high-quality leather products for both domestic and international markets.

10. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region imported $371 million worth of leather in 2023, making it a key player in the global leather market. The region is a major hub for trade and commerce, with many leather products passing through Hong Kong en route to other markets.

Overall, the global leather market is a booming industry that imports billions of dollars worth of leather products every year. Major import markets for leather such as China, Italy, and Vietnam play a vital role in driving the growth of the industry and meeting the global demand for high-quality leather products.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform