Brazil’s leather exports generated $544.1 million during the first half of 2026 between January and June 2026, down 4.9% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), compiled by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB). Although exports rebounded in June, the recovery was not enough to offset weaker shipments recorded earlier in the year.

Export performance remained under pressure during most of the first half. Export revenue declined 22.9% in January, 1.1% in February and 7.8% in March before returning to slight growth of 0.6% in April. Exports slipped again in May by 7.3%, before rebounding 12.1% in June to record the strongest monthly performance of the year.

In terms of volume, Brazil exported 90.8 million square metres of leather during January to June 2026, a decline of 2.3% compared to the same period in 2025. However, exported weight increased 6.1%, indicating that shipment volumes remained resilient despite lower export earnings.

China continued to be Brazil’s largest leather export destination during the first half of the year, accounting for 29.1% of total export revenue and 43.9% of exported area.

Exports to China totaled $158.1 million, down 6.8% YoY. While export revenue declined, shipment volumes remained relatively stable suggesting that the reduction was driven more by lower prices than weaker physical demand.

The United States remained the 2nd largest export market with shipments worth $65.1 million, representing 12.0% of Brazil’s leather exports. Export value declined 16.6%, reflecting weaker demand from one of Brazil’s key traditional markets.

Italy ranked 3rd with exports of $56.8 million, accounting for 10.4% of total export revenue. Shipments to Italy fell 19.2%.

Vietnam maintained its position among Brazil’s leading export destinations, with exports totaling $55.6 million and representing 10.2% of total exports. Export value declined by a relatively modest 4.3%, making Vietnam one of the more stable major markets during the period.

Among Brazil’s major buyers, Mexico was one of the few countries to record positive growth, with export value increasing 4.3%.

Several emerging markets recorded strong gains during the first half of 2026. Export value increased 138.9% to Malaysia, 80.4% to Indonesia, 53.4% to Cambodia, 38.8% to Spain, 37.2% to Poland and 34.5% to South Korea.

Now when we look at the type of leather exported, for salted hides, exports to Togo surged 513.3%, followed by Turkey with 246.4% growth and Nigeria with 30.8% growth. Although these markets still represent a relatively small share of Brazil’s export basket, CICB said the results demonstrate continued diversification of export destinations.

Finished leather remained Brazil’s largest export category during the first half of 2026, generating $236.8 million or around 44% of total leather export revenue.

However, it also recorded the sharpest decline among the major leather categories. Export value fell 15.2%, while exported area declined 13.3%, reflecting continued weakness in international demand for higher value added leather products.

Wet blue remained the 2nd largest export category, with exports totaling $142.9 million. Export value declined 2.1%, while exported area decreased 1.7%, indicating relatively stable demand compared with finished leather.

Exports of wet blue split fell 7.5% in value, although exported weight increased 1.4%.

Crust leather was one of the strongest performing categories during H1 2026. Export value increased 14.2%, while exported area grew 22.7%, indicating rising international demand for this stage of leather processing.

The strongest growth was recorded by salted bovine hides, with export value increasing 64.9% compared to the first half of 2025. Export weight also rose 28.0% during the period.

According to CICB, the June recovery demonstrated that Brazil remains competitive in global leather markets despite weaker demand during the first half of the year. The organisation noted that growth in crust leather and salted hides, together with the relative stability of wet blue exports partly offset the decline in finished leather exports.

CICB also said average export prices are beginning to stabilise in several important product categories, although pricing pressure continues in some segments.

Looking ahead, the organisation said export performance during the second half of 2026 will depend on the recovery of international leather demand, continued price stabilisation and the expansion of exports to emerging markets. Strengthening exports of higher value added leather while further diversifying export destinations will remain key priorities for Brazil’s leather industry.

ALSO READ: Brazil Leather Exports Rise 12.1% to $93.4 Million in June 2026

Brazil Leather Exports Fall 7.3% to $89.5 Million in May as Demand Weakens in Key Markets

Brazil Leather Exports Reach $94.3 Million in April 2026 as International Demand Remains Weak

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

Brazil Leather Exports Reach $96.6 Million in February Up 27.9% from January 2026

Brazil Leather Exports Fall 22.9% in January 2026 to $75.5 Million