Brazil’s leather industry reports $94.3 million in exports in April 2026, showing a slight 0.6% increase compared to April 2025, according to data analysed by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB/Brazilian Leather). However, exports declined 0.6% compared to March 2026 when shipments stood at $94.9 million.

Export volumes reached 16.0 million square meters and 55.8 thousand tons in April 2026. Compared to the same month last year, export area increased 7.0%. Against March 2026, export area fell 5.2%, showing slower shipment movement during the month.

In the first 4 months of 2026, Brazil’s leather exports totaled $361.3 million, down 7.9% compared to the same period last year. During the same period, export area declined 3.7%, indicating pressure on international leather prices and lower average export values.

Key Export Markets

China together with Hong Kong remained the largest destination for Brazilian leather exports between January and April 2026. The region accounted for 31.9% of total export revenue and 48.0% of shipped area.

Exports to China and Hong Kong reached $115.2 million during the period, down 10.1% compared to the same period last year. Mainland China alone accounted for more than 30% of Brazil’s leather exports, although shipments to the country declined 9.3% in value.

The United States remained the second largest export destination with shipments worth $40.2 million during the January to April period, down 21.6% compared to last year.

Italy ranked third with exports totaling $37.4 million, down 26.9% compared to the previous year.

Vietnam ranked 4th and recorded exports worth $37.2 million during the period, down 4.9%, while Mexico at the 5th spot, posted growth of 13.6% with shipments reaching $21.1 million.

Nigeria ranked 6th with imports of Brazilian leather increased 19.8% during the January to April period, totalling $14.2 million, while South Korea at 7th spot emerged as the fastest growing major market with export value rising 90.4% with exports totalling $10.9 million.

Germany and Thailand ranked 8th and 9th spot and both recorded declines in imports from Brazil, while Spain posted growth of 15.9%.

India ranked 18th among Brazil’s leather export destinations with shipments worth $3.1 million during the January to April period, down 22.7% compared to last year.

April Market Movement Analysis

Based on analysis, exports to China and Hong Kong in April 2026 were at around $26.8 million, down around 9.0% compared to March.

Exports to the United States stood at around $11.3 million in April, increasing 17.2% month-on-month, while exports to Italy were estimated at around $9.9 million, up 8.9% from March.

Vietnam’s April exports were estimated at around $10.5 million, rising 18.0% compared to March, while Mexico’s exports were estimated at around $4.8 million, down 11.3%.

Estimated exports to Nigeria stood at around $2.8 million in April, declining 27.2% month-on-month.

South Korea’s estimated April imports of Brazilian leather reached around $3.2 million, increasing 26.4% compared to March.

Germany’s estimated imports stood at around $2.6 million in April, up 51.0% from March, while Thailand’s imports were estimated at around $2.0 million, increasing 26.2%.

Spain’s estimated April imports reached around $1.5 million, up 9.2% compared to March.

Estimated exports to India stood at around $0.7 million in April, declining 11.5% compared to March.

Leather Type Performance

Finished leather remained the largest export category for Brazil during the January to April period, although exports declined 16.9% in value compared to the same period last year.

Finished leather exports totaled $153.5 million during the period, while wet blue exports reached $102.1 million, down 3.8%.

Split wet blue exports declined 8.0% in value, while crust leather exports fell 1.1%.

Salted hides recorded the strongest growth among all leather categories, with exports increasing 53.5% in value and 16.3% in weight compared to last year.

April Leather Type Analysis

Based on analysis of cumulative January to March and January to April datasets, finished leather exports in April 2026 were estimated at around $42.0 million, increasing 6.4% compared to March.

Estimated wet blue exports stood at around $23.7 million in April, declining 9.7% month-on-month.

Split wet blue exports were estimated at around $11.7 million, slightly down 0.2% from March, while crust leather exports were estimated at around $10.1 million, declining 3.3%.

Salted hides exports in April were estimated at around $5.9 million, increasing 4.1% compared to March.

CICB said the data reflects weaker international demand for higher value-added leather, especially finished leather used in automotive, fashion and furniture sectors.

They also added that lower global leather prices, slower international demand and shifting consumption toward lower-cost and less processed leather continue to pressure Brazil’s leather export performance.

Click here to download the detailed report

ALSO READ: Brazil Leather Exports Report $94.9 Million in March as Q1 2026 Totals $262.8 Million Down 10.7%