French leather exports to Asia fell by 8% during the first ten months of 2025 according to official data from French leather industry association Alliance France Cuir
China and Hong Kong remain France’s biggest buyers of leather & leather products. Even so exports to these two markets declined by 4.6% and 5.5% while Japan recorded a 9.5% drop or South Korea 7.5% drop between January and October 2025.
This matters because China and Hong Kong together imported leather goods worth €4 billion in 2024 making them far ahead of the United States at €2.4 billion and Italy at €1.9 billion.
The slowdown comes after a flat year in 2024 and strong growth of 9% in 2023. That rise followed the end of China’s Zero Covid policy in December 2022 which had frozen travel consumption and retail activity.
China’s interest for French leather had been rising for years. Imports stood at just €1.8 billion in 2019 and €1.6 billion a year earlier when the US was still France’s top customer.
In 2025 exports to China are made up of 85% leather goods and 12% footwear.
Premium and luxury imports are also feeling the pressure. The luxury market in China fell by nearly 20% in 2024 and is now close to pre Covid levels.
Still French products keep their appeal. A late 2024 survey showed 41% of Chinese buyers purchased French clothing or leather goods mainly for reputation and prestige.
Chinese platforms are also reshaping how people shop. Online sales account for about one third of consumption and almost half of fashion sales. Live shopping driven by platforms like Douyin now represents about 30% of e commerce sales.
Luxury tastes are changing too. Flashy logos are losing appeal. Buyers now want emotion craftsmanship and strong stories behind products.
China’s economy still depends heavily on exports which account for 20% of GDP. Beijing fears new trade barriers in Europe similar to those in the US.
Asia Pacific has become China’s main export destination since 2023 while Europe and the US are now secondary targets.
For French leather companies the message is clear. China remains essential but the rules of the game have changed. The challenge now is to adapt fast and protect long built positions in a market that is growing slower and thinking differently.
For a more detailed read and deeper insights click here to visit Alliance France Cuir’s full report on the Chinese market
