China - Leather Footwear - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights
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View PricingChina's Leather Footwear Market to Grow at a CAGR of +1.0% in Volume and +2.6% in Value from 2024 to 2035
IndexBox has just published a new report: China - Leather Footwear - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
Driven by rising demand, the leather footwear market in China is expected to continue growing over the next decade. Projections indicate a +1.0% CAGR in market volume and a +2.6% CAGR in market value from 2024 to 2035.
Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for leather footwear in China, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.0% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 904M pairs by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $36.2B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
Consumption
China's Consumption of Leather Footwear
In 2024, consumption of leather footwear increased by 4.1% to 814M pairs, rising for the second consecutive year after four years of decline. Overall, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 1.2B pairs. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the consumption remained at a somewhat lower figure.
The revenue of the leather footwear market in China rose modestly to $27.3B in 2024, growing by 2.7% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption showed a notable increase. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $39.8B. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.
Production
China's Production of Leather Footwear
In 2024, production of leather footwear in China contracted to 1.2B pairs, remaining constant against 2023. Over the period under review, production recorded a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the production volume increased by 5.1%. Leather footwear production peaked at 1.5B pairs in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, leather footwear production declined to $18.4B in 2024 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a slight curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 157% against the previous year. Leather footwear production peaked at $48.9B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, production remained at a lower figure.
Imports
China's Imports of Leather Footwear
After two years of growth, purchases abroad of leather footwear decreased by -5.1% to 68M pairs in 2024. In general, imports, however, showed a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 65%. Imports peaked at 74M pairs in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, leather footwear imports totaled $2.9B in 2024. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a prominent expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 30% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2024 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.
Imports By Country
Vietnam (36M pairs), Indonesia (19M pairs) and India (4M pairs) were the main suppliers of leather footwear imports to China, together accounting for 86% of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +17.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest leather footwear suppliers to China were Vietnam ($968M), Italy ($965M) and Indonesia ($426M), together comprising 82% of total imports. Thailand, India, Spain and Cambodia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 8.6%.
In terms of the main suppliers, Thailand, with a CAGR of +14.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Imports By Type
In 2024, footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes (60M pairs) constituted the largest type of leather footwear supplied to China, accounting for a 87% share of total imports. Moreover, footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, boots, sole rubber or plastic upper leather, nes (8M pairs), eightfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by footwear, outer soles and uppers of leather, nes (786K pairs), with a 1.1% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes imports stood at +11.1%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: boots, sole rubber or plastic upper leather, nes (+5.8% per year) and footwear, outer soles and uppers of leather, nes (-3.7% per year).
In value terms, footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes ($2.3B) constituted the largest type of leather footwear supplied to China, comprising 78% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by boots, sole rubber or plastic upper leather, nes ($355M), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by footwear, outer soles and uppers of leather, nes, with an 8.3% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes imports amounted to +11.2%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: boots, sole rubber or plastic upper leather, nes (+6.1% per year) and footwear, outer soles and uppers of leather, nes (+0.8% per year).
Import Prices By Type
In 2024, the average leather footwear import price amounted to $42 per pair, rising by 5.4% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $47 per pair in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.
There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplied products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was footwear, soles, uppers of leather, over ankle, nes ($446 per pair), while the price for footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes ($38 per pair) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by footwear; with uppers of leather or composition leather, n.e.s. in chapter 64 (+8.8%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
The average leather footwear import price stood at $42 per pair in 2024, surging by 5.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a mild setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average import price increased by 22%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $47 per pair in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, import prices failed to regain momentum.
There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($360 per pair), while the price for India ($17 per pair) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (+6.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
Exports
China's Exports of Leather Footwear
In 2024, overseas shipments of leather footwear decreased by -8.5% to 463M pairs, falling for the second consecutive year after four years of growth. Overall, exports saw a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 120%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at 762M pairs in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, leather footwear exports reduced to $7B in 2024. In general, exports saw a perceptible reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $12.2B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
Exports By Country
The United States (113M pairs) was the main destination for leather footwear exports from China, with a 24% share of total exports. Moreover, leather footwear exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Russia (51M pairs), twofold. Vietnam (21M pairs) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 4.5% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States totaled -9.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Russia (-0.1% per year) and Vietnam (+36.0% per year).
In value terms, the United States ($1.9B) remains the key foreign market for leather footwear exports from China, comprising 28% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Russia ($815M), with a 12% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 3.4% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States totaled -7.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Russia (-2.8% per year) and the Netherlands (+0.3% per year).
Exports By Type
Footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes (337M pairs) was the largest type of leather footwear exported from China, accounting for a 73% share of total exports. Moreover, footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes exceeded the volume of the second product type, boots, sole rubber or plastic upper leather, nes (87M pairs), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by footwear, nes, uppers leather (28M pairs), with a 6% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes exports stood at -5.3%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: boots, sole rubber or plastic upper leather, nes (-1.9% per year) and footwear, nes, uppers leather (-2.7% per year).
In value terms, footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes ($4.7B) remains the largest type of leather footwear exported from China, comprising 67% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by boots, sole rubber or plastic upper leather, nes ($1.8B), with a 26% share of total exports. It was followed by footwear, nes, uppers leather, with a 4.8% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of footwear, sole rubber, plastics uppers of leather, nes exports totaled -4.7%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: boots, sole rubber or plastic upper leather, nes (-1.5% per year) and footwear, nes, uppers leather (+1.2% per year).
Export Prices By Type
The average leather footwear export price stood at $15 per pair in 2024, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 186% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $39 per pair. From 2019 to 2024, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major types of exported product. In 2024, the product with the highest price was footwear, soles, uppers of leather, over ankle, nes ($26 per pair), while the average price for exports of footwear, outer soles and uppers of leather, nes ($11 per pair) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: footwear; with uppers of leather or composition leather, n.e.s. in chapter 64 (+4.0%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
The average leather footwear export price stood at $15 per pair in 2024, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 186%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $39 per pair. From 2019 to 2024, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Hong Kong SAR ($27 per pair), while the average price for exports to Vietnam ($7.2 per pair) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Kyrgyzstan (+8.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
This report provides a comprehensive view of the leather footwear industry in China, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the leather footwear landscape in China.
Quick navigation
- Key findings
- Report scope
- Product coverage
- Country coverage
- Methodology
- Forecasts to 2035
- Price analysis
- Market participants
- Country profiles
- How to use this report
- FAQ
Key findings
- Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
- Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
- Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
- Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
- The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for China. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
- Market size and growth in value and volume terms
- Consumption structure by end-use segments
- Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
- Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
- Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
- Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverage
- Prodcom 15201330 - Footwear with a wooden base and leather uppers (including clogs) (excluding with an inner sole or a protective metal toecap)
- Prodcom 15201351 - Men
- Prodcom 15201352 - Women
- Prodcom 15201353 - Children
- Prodcom 15201361 - Men
- Prodcom 15201362 - Women
- Prodcom 15201363 - Children
- Prodcom 15201370 - Slippers and other indoor footwear with rubber, plastic or leather outer soles and leather uppers (including dancing and bedroom slippers, mules)
- Prodcom 15201380 - Footwear with wood, cork or other outer soles and leather uppers (excluding outer soles of rubber, plastics or leather)
Country coverage
- China
Country profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for China. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
- International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
- National production and consumption statistics
- Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
- Price series and unit value benchmarks
- Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links leather footwear demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in China.
- Historical baseline: 2012-2025
- Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
- Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
- Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
- Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
- Export and import unit value trends
- Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
- Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
- Business focus and production capabilities
- Geographic reach and distribution networks
- Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
- Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
- Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
- Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
- Track price dynamics and protect margins
- Benchmark performance against leading competitors
- Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of leather footwear dynamics in China.
FAQ
What is included in the leather footwear market in China?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for China.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.
1. INTRODUCTION
Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
- REPORT DESCRIPTION
- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
- DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
- GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A Quick Overview of Market Performance
- KEY FINDINGS
- MARKET TRENDSThis Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW
Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects
- MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
- MARKET STRUCTURE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
- TRADE BALANCE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
- PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
- MARKET FORECAST TO 2035
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION
Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
- TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
- BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
- MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
- MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
- MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORTS
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES
Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
- TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
- TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
- TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
- LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS
Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export
- TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
- TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
- UNSATURATED MARKETS
- TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
- MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION
The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
- PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
- IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
- IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025)
- IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025)
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
- EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
- EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025)
- EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025)
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS
The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
LIST OF TABLES
- Key Findings In 2025
- Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2025
- Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2025
- Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2025
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2025
- Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2025
- Export Prices, By Country, 2012–2025
LIST OF FIGURES
- Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Trade Balance, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Trade Balance, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Market Volume Forecast to 2035
- Market Value Forecast to 2035
- Market Size and Growth, By Product
- Average Per Capita Consumption, By Product
- Exports and Growth, By Product
- Export Prices and Growth, By Product
- Production Volume and Growth
- Exports and Growth
- Export Prices and Growth
- Market Size and Growth
- Per Capita Consumption
- Imports and Growth
- Import Prices
- Production, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Production, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Imports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Imports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2025
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2025
- Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2025
- Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2025
- Exports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Exports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2025
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2025
- Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2025
- Export Prices, By Country, 2012–2025
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