Brazil’s leather industry exported hides and skins worth $96.6 million in February 2026, down 1.1% from $97.6 million last year but up 27.9% from $75.5 million in January 2026, according to SECEX data analysed by CICB.
In volume terms, Brazil exported 17.3 million square meters and 61.3 thousand tons in February, increasing 3.3% and 6.6% year-on-year. Compared to January, shipments jumped sharply, with area up 41.2% and weight rising 23.3%.
For January to February 2026, the last 2 months, total exports stood at $169.2 million, down 12.1% from $192.6 million in 2025 and 15.6% from $200.5 million in 2024.
China including Hong Kong remained the top destination with $59.1 million, holding a 34.3% share but declining 11.5% from $66.7 million last year. China alone accounted for $57.5 million, down 9.9%.
The United States imported $18.9 million, falling 15.3% from $22.3 million and holding an 11.0% share.
Vietnam ranked third with $17.0 million, down 24.7% from $22.5 million. Italy followed with a 9.7% share but saw the sharpest drop of 38.3% in value.
When broken down by product type, all leather categories recorded strong month-on-month growth in February compared to January.
Wet blue exports rose 22.2% from $23.5 million in January to $28.72 million in February.
Split wet blue increased 79.7% from $5.76 million in January to $10.35 million in February.
Crust leather saw the highest growth, jumping 136.2% from $5.05 million in January to $11.93 million in February.
Finished leather, the largest segment, grew 14.8% from $33.5 million in January to $38.45 million in February.
Finally, salted hides also moved up 8.9%, rising from $5.74 million in January to $6.25 million in February.
The data shows that while export volumes are increasing, falling average prices across most leather types are dragging down overall value. Major markets like China, the United States, Vietnam and Italy continue to reduce purchases, reflecting cautious global demand.
