China’s leather industry is facing slow growth as fresh data from January to May 2025 shows mixed results across key sectors.
Overall, sales revenue of major leather enterprises went up slightly by 0.1% compared to the same period last year. However, the industry’s export value fell to USD 35.06 billion, down by 8.6%. Imports also dropped by 14.4%, totaling USD 6.22 billion.
China’s tanning industry reported a sharp drop. Total sales revenue for major tanneries stood at 22 billion RMB, a decrease of 8.0% year-on-year.
Imports of raw hides and skins dropped to 608,000 tons, worth USD 0.51 billion. This is a 4.0% fall in quantity and 14.0% drop in value.
Semi-finished leather imports rose by 7.9% in quantity but fell by 6.9% in value. Finished leather imports dropped to 15,000 tons and USD 0.23 billion in value, marking a 15.1% and 20.2% decline respectively.
The footwear industry posted a 2.0% rise in sales revenue. Export volume rose slightly by 0.8%, with 3.7 billion pairs shipped. However, the value of those exports dropped by 7.9%, reaching USD 17.57 billion.
Imports of footwear also went down by 11.6% in quantity and 10.9% in value, totaling 70 million pairs and USD 2.13 billion.
Leather shoe sales increased by 1.3% year-on-year. Exports reached 0.2 billion pairs, a 1.0% rise in quantity but a 3.9% drop in value to USD 2.82 billion.
Imports fell sharply to 19.698 million pairs and USD 0.89 billion, down by 21.7% and 20.7% respectively.
Leather garment companies saw the highest increase in sales, up by 12.3% year-on-year. Despite strong domestic performance, exports dropped by 20.1% to USD 34.1 million. Imports also fell by 8.7%, amounting to USD 40.14 million.
The bags and cases segment recorded a 1.8% drop in sales revenue. Exports stood at USD 12.95 billion, down by 12.1%. Imports fell to USD 2.11 billion, a decrease of 17.2% compared to last year.
Source – China Leather Industry Association
