The French leather industry remained stable in 2024, with imports holding steady at €13.7 billion and exports showing a modest 1% growth, reaching €19.2 billion.
France’s leather imports saw little change, with Europe and Asia nearly equally contributing. Europe accounted for 49% (€6.7 billion), while Asia represented 47% (€6.5 billion) of total imports.
- Italy (27% share, €3.8 billion) saw a 1% decline in exports to France.
- China (21% share, €2.8 billion) experienced a 5% drop in exports.
- Vietnam (+9%), Spain (+8%), and Indonesia (+9%) saw growth in exports to France.
Raw material imports fell by 3%, while finished leather products recorded a slight 1% increase.
France’s leather exports reached €19.2 billion, reinforcing its position as the fourth-largest global leather exporter behind China, Italy, and Vietnam.
Luxury leather goods continued to drive growth, maintaining strong international demand.
- China and the U.S. remain top buyers, accounting for over a quarter of French exports.
- Exports to China stayed stable, while U.S. exports grew by 1%.
- Sales to Italy declined by 2%.
- Japan saw a remarkable increase of 237% in imports from France, marking a significant comeback as a key market. This rise was driven by a weaker yen and increased tourism.
With €19.2 billion in exports compared to €13.7 billion in imports, France’s trade balance remains positive, recording a €5.5 billion surplus.
Click here to view the detailed report prepared by Alliance France Cuir.
