Brazil’s leather export performance in July 2025 showed a slight recovery compared to June but remained weaker than last year’s results.
According to CICB’s analysis of SECEX data, the country exported hides and skins worth $89.2 million in July. This marked a 7% rise from June but a 21.1% fall compared to July 2024, when the figure reached $113.1 million.
In terms of volume, exports totaled 14.2 million square meters and 45.3 thousand tons. These figures were down 14.5% and 3.2% respectively from the same month last year. However, both area and weight showed gains from June, rising 6.2% and 12.4%.
From January to July, Brazil’s leather exports amounted to $661.6 million, down 13.2% from the same period in 2024. The exported area fell 6.3% while weight increased 2%.
China remained the largest market with a 29.7% share in value and 44% in area. Sales to China fell 15.5% in value but rose 2% in area.
The United States held second place with a 14.3% share in value and 7.2% in area, showing declines of 10.7% and 4.8% respectively.
Italy followed with an 11.1% share in value and 13% in area, both down compared to last year.
Exports to Spain and South Korea stood out, with Spain recording a 64.8% increase in value and 64.3% in area, while South Korea posted a 40.9% rise in value and 49.3% in area.
By type, wet blue leather made up 25.7% of value and 53.8% of area, with sharp drops in value but relatively stable volumes.
Finished leather accounted for 49.5% of value and 37.7% of area, posting a small area increase but an 18.5% drop in monthly volume compared to July 2024.
Shipments of salted hides rebounded after three months of decline, surpassing 7 thousand tons in July.
Despite the month-on-month growth, the annual figures show a continued downturn. The only positive trend so far in 2025 is a 2% increase in exported weight, while overall value and area remain in decline.
Industry players are now facing additional challenges after the United States imposed a 50% import tax on many Brazilian exports, including hides and skins.
This has already led to suspended or cancelled orders from American buyers. At the same time, trade tensions between China and the United States continue to disrupt global leather flows.
The sector is hoping the Brazilian government, with CICB’s support, will secure a negotiated solution with the United States to protect the interests of exporters.
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Source – CICB
