Unlocking Success in Leather Export: Key Strategies for India

India has a rich and long-standing tradition of producing leather goods, supported by skilled craftsmanship and a plentiful supply of raw materials. Leather has been a popular material for centuries due to its durability, style, and versatility, making it ideal for items such as coats, purses, shoes, and more. As one of the largest leather-producing countries, India has carved out a significant presence in the global leather market, exporting high-quality leather products across the globe.

In this blog, we will delve into the success strategies for leather export from India, explore the top 10 leather importing countries, and present updated leather export data. Let’s explore how Indian exporters can leverage their strengths to dominate the global leather market.

India’s Leather Export Market: A Global Leader

India stands as the second-largest exporter of leather garments, the third-largest exporter of saddlery and harnesses, and the fourth-largest exporter of leather goods worldwide. With a rich history of leather production that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (around 2500 BCE), India's leather industry has evolved over time, offering a diverse range of products including footwear, bags, apparel, and accessories.

As of April to January in the FY 2023-24, India’s leather export was valued at US$ 3,941.04 million. The share of leather footwear was the largest, accounting for 42.6% of the total exports, valued at US$ 1,679.94 million. Other significant export categories include finished leather, leather garments, leather goods, and saddlery and harnesses.

Product-wise Share in India’s Leather Exports (April 2023 - January 2024)

• Finished Leather- 372.57 US$ Million

• Leather Footwear- 1679.94 US$ Million

• Footwear Components- 218.76 US$ Million

• Leather Garments- 301.41 US$ Million

• Leather Goods- 1033.67 US$ Million

• Saddlery and Harness- 150.66 US$ Million

• Non-Leather Footwear- 184.03 US$ Million

India’s leather products are highly sought after globally, and the country's strategic position in leather export is reinforced by its vast cattle and buffalo population. India holds about 20% of the world’s cattle and buffalo population, as well as 11% of the global goat and sheep population. This makes India a dominant player not only in leather exports but also in the global raw leather market.

Top Leather Exporting Countries from India (2023-24)

India exports leather products to over 50 countries, with the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France being the top markets for Indian leather goods. Let’s take a closer look at the countries receiving the highest value of top 10 leather exporting countries from India.

1. USA

2. Germany

3. UK

4. Italy

5. France

6. Spain

7. UAE

8. Netherlands

9. Hong Kong

10. China

Top 10 Leather Importing Countries Worldwide

India’s leather exports are vital in the global leather market, with countries like China, Italy, Vietnam, and the USA making the largest imports. Here's a list of the top 10 leather importing countries globally:

1. China

2. Italy

3. Vietnam

4. India

5. Mexico

6. USA

7. Germany

8. France

9. Thailand

10. Indonesia

 As we can see, China and Italy lead the world in leather imports, followed by a strong demand from Vietnam, Mexico, and the USA. India also plays a significant role in global leather imports, importing high-quality leather for both domestic production and export purposes.

Trends Driving the Leather Market

Several key trends are currently shaping the leather market globally:

1. Increased Demand for Leather in Footwear: The footwear industry is one of the largest consumers of leather products. With growing demand for leather shoes, boots, and sandals worldwide, the leather market continues to thrive.

2. Changing Fashion Trends: Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly driving fashion trends, and leather products are frequently seen as a luxury item. The demand for leather jackets, bags, and wallets is particularly high among young consumers looking for stylish, high-quality goods.

3. Sustainability: There's a significant shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly leather products. Consumers are looking for responsibly sourced leather and environmentally-conscious production methods.

4. Government Support: The Indian government has implemented several initiatives, such as the Indian Footwear and Leather Development Program (IFLDP), to boost the leather industry. With around US$ 220 million allocated to improve production and increase employment, the Indian leather sector is poised for continued growth.

Top Strategies for Success in Leather Export from India

To succeed in the global leather export market, Indian exporters must adopt several key strategies:

1. Focus on Quality: The global demand for high-quality leather products is rising. By focusing on quality, Indian exporters can position their products as premium goods, which will increase their appeal in competitive markets.

2. Leverage Sustainability: As environmental concerns rise, eco-friendly leather products are in high demand. By adopting sustainable practices and offering greener alternatives, Indian exporters can tap into this growing market.

3. Market Research and Networking: Understanding market trends, consumer preferences, and buyer demands is essential. Networking with reliable suppliers and buyers, as well as using platforms like Eximpedia.app, can help exporters make informed decisions.

4. Adopt Technology: Leveraging technology, such as automation in leather production and digital marketing for promotion, can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and expand reach in global markets.

5. Participate in Trade Fairs: Attending international leather expos and trade fairs helps to establish connections with key buyers and distributors while showcasing the best of Indian leather products.

6. Use Export Data and Insights: import export data provider platforms like Eximpedia.app offer valuable data on leather exports, importers, and HS codes, helping exporters track trends and make better business decisions.

Conclusion

India’s leather export industry is a vital component of the global leather market, with immense potential for growth. By focusing on quality, sustainability, and leveraging modern technology, Indian leather exporters can continue to thrive and expand in the global marketplace. The global demand for high-quality leather products is set to increase, and staying updated with real-time insights through platforms like Eximpedia.app will be key to maintaining a competitive edge.

For more detailed insights on leather export data, top importing countries, exim data bank and strategies to boost your leather business, connect with Eximpedia.app and get started today.