World's Leather Market Forecast Shows Steady Growth Through 2035 With +1.0% CAGR Volume Expansion

IndexBox has just published a new report: World - Leather - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.

The global leather market is forecast to grow steadily through 2035, with volume expected to reach 6.3 billion square meters (CAGR +1.0%) and value projected at $48.9 billion (CAGR +1.6%). In 2024, global consumption stood at 5.7 billion square meters valued at $40.9 billion, with China (23%), Italy, and the United States as top consumers. Production reached 5.2 billion square meters, led by China, the US, and Brazil. International trade shows declining trends, with imports at 2.1 billion square meters and exports at 1.7 billion square meters. Bovine and equine leather dominates both production (61%) and consumption (64%), while Italy maintains the highest per capita consumption and export values despite overall market contractions.

Key Findings

• Global leather market projected to reach 6.3B square meters by 2035 with +1.0% CAGR volume growth
• China leads consumption at 1.3B square meters while Italy has highest per capita use at 9 square meters per person
• Bovine and equine leather dominates market with 64% consumption share and 61% production share
• International trade shows declining trends with imports at 2.1B square meters and exports at 1.7B square meters
• Italy remains largest export supplier by value at $2.7B despite -5.9% annual decline since 2013

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for leather worldwide, 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 6.3B square meters by the end of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $48.9B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

Consumption

World's Consumption of Leather

In 2024, the amount of leather consumed worldwide reached 5.7B square meters, approximately equating the year before. Overall, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 9.8%. Over the period under review, global consumption attained the maximum volume at 5.9B square meters in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The global leather market value contracted to $40.9B in 2024, remaining constant 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, however, recorded a mild shrinkage. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $49.8B. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the global market failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The country with the largest volume of leather consumption was China (1.3B square meters), comprising approx. 23% of total volume. Moreover, leather consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Italy (532M square meters), twofold. The United States (480M square meters) ranked third in terms of total consumption with an 8.5% share.

In China, leather consumption contracted by an average annual rate of -1.6% over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: Italy (+1.2% per year) and the United States (+0.4% per year).

In value terms, China ($4.4B), Italy ($4.1B) and the United States ($3.3B) constituted the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2024, with a combined 29% share of the global market. India, Turkey, Pakistan, Vietnam, Egypt, Bangladesh and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 27%.

Turkey, with a CAGR of +5.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of market size among the main consuming countries over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2024, the highest levels of leather per capita consumption was registered in Italy (9 square meters per person), followed by Turkey (4.3 square meters per person), Vietnam (2.4 square meters per person) and the United States (1.4 square meters per person), while the world average per capita consumption of leather was estimated at 0.7 square meters per person.

In Italy, leather per capita consumption expanded at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: Turkey (+2.3% per year) and Vietnam (+5.0% per year).

Consumption By Type

Leather of bovine and equine animals (3.6B square meters) constituted the product with the largest volume of consumption, accounting for 64% of total volume. Moreover, leather of bovine and equine animals exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, composition leather (1.1B square meters), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (530M square meters), with a 9.4% share.

For leather of bovine and equine animals, consumption remained relatively stable over the period from 2013-2024. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: composition leather (+1.3% per year) and sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-1.6% per year).

In value terms, leather of bovine and equine animals ($22.8B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by chamois, patent and combination leather ($7.5B). It was followed by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of leather of bovine and equine animals market was relatively modest. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: chamois, patent and combination leather (-2.4% per year) and sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-2.0% per year).

Production

World's Production of Leather

In 2024, the amount of leather produced worldwide fell modestly to 5.2B square meters, almost unchanged from the previous year. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 6.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production reached the maximum volume at 5.8B square meters in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, production remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, leather production declined slightly to $43.7B in 2024 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a slight descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 7.2% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $55.9B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2024 were China (717M square meters), the United States (511M square meters) and Brazil (439M square meters), together comprising 32% of global production. Turkey, Italy, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and Argentina lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 26%.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Turkey (with a CAGR of +4.0%), while production for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production By Type

Leather of bovine and equine animals (3.2B square meters) constituted the product with the largest volume of production, comprising approx. 61% of total volume. Moreover, leather of bovine and equine animals exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, composition leather (1.1B square meters), threefold. Sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (588M square meters) ranked third in terms of total production with an 11% share.

For leather of bovine and equine animals, production remained relatively stable over the period from 2013-2024. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: composition leather (+1.0% per year) and sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-2.7% per year).

In value terms, leather of bovine and equine animals ($23.6B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by chamois, patent and combination leather ($7.5B). It was followed by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather.

For leather of bovine and equine animals, production decreased by an average annual rate of -1.9% over the period from 2013-2024. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: chamois, patent and combination leather (-2.5% per year) and sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-2.9% per year).

Imports

World's Imports of Leather

In 2024, purchases abroad of leather was finally on the rise to reach 2.1B square meters after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a perceptible decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports reached the peak figure at 2.9B square meters in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, leather imports fell to $11.4B in 2024. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 24%. Global imports peaked at $26.3B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports By Country

China represented the main importing country with an import of about 719M square meters, which recorded 34% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Italy (394M square meters) and Vietnam (243M square meters), together making up a 30% share of total imports. Thailand (88M square meters), India (68M square meters), Cambodia (48M square meters), Spain (47M square meters) and Indonesia (41M square meters) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Cambodia (with a CAGR of +11.5%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($1.7B), Vietnam ($1.4B) and Italy ($1B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2024, together accounting for 36% of global imports. Thailand, Spain, Cambodia, India and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

Among the main importing countries, Cambodia, with a CAGR of +8.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Imports By Type

Leather of bovine and equine animals prevails in imports structure, amounting to 1.8B square meters, which was near 88% of total imports in 2024. It was distantly followed by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (154M square meters), achieving a 7.3% share of total imports. Composition leather (85M square meters) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2013 to 2024, average annual rates of growth with regard to leather of bovine and equine animals imports of stood at -2.3%. Composition leather experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-6.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Leather of bovine and equine animals (+3.8 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global imports, while sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather saw its share reduced by -4.3% from 2013 to 2024, respectively. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, leather of bovine and equine animals ($9.2B) constitutes the largest type of leather imported worldwide, comprising 80% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was held by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather ($1.6B), with a 14% share of global imports. It was followed by composition leather, with a 3% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of leather of bovine and equine animals imports stood at -6.5%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-8.6% per year) and composition leather (+3.0% per year).

Import Prices By Type

In 2024, the average leather import price amounted to $5.4 per square meter, declining by -13.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a perceptible reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 16%. Global import price peaked at $9.5 per square meter in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was chamois, patent and combination leather ($17 per square meter), while the price for composition leather ($4 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by composition leather (+3.4%), while the other products experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Import Prices By Country

In 2024, the average leather import price amounted to $5.4 per square meter, waning by -13.1% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a pronounced reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 16% against the previous year. Global import price peaked at $9.5 per square meter in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Spain ($8.8 per square meter), while China ($2.4 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (-0.6%), while the other global leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Exports

World's Exports of Leather

For the third year in a row, the global market recorded decline in shipments abroad of leather, which decreased by -2.7% to 1.7B square meters in 2024. Overall, exports showed a abrupt contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs at 3B square meters in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, leather exports reduced to $12B in 2024. In general, exports continue to indicate a deep contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 26%. The global exports peaked at $27.4B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports By Country

In 2024, Brazil (372M square meters), distantly followed by Italy (182M square meters) and China (139M square meters) represented the largest exporters of leather, together achieving 42% of total exports. The following exporters - Argentina (61M square meters), Thailand (59M square meters), the United States (52M square meters), India (52M square meters), Nigeria (52M square meters), Paraguay (42M square meters) and Vietnam (40M square meters) - together made up 22% of total exports.

From 2013 to 2024, average annual rates of growth with regard to leather exports from Brazil stood at -2.3%. At the same time, China (+10.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, China emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +10.3% from 2013-2024. Vietnam and Thailand experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Paraguay (-1.4%), India (-4.2%), Argentina (-5.4%), Italy (-6.0%), Nigeria (-10.9%) and the United States (-14.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. China (+6.7 p.p.), Brazil (+6.1 p.p.) and Thailand (+1.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while Nigeria and the United States saw its share reduced by -3.1% and -6.3% from 2013 to 2024, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Italy ($2.7B) remains the largest leather supplier worldwide, comprising 22% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($1.2B), with a 10% share of global exports. It was followed by China, with a 9% share.

In Italy, leather exports declined by an average annual rate of -5.9% over the period from 2013-2024. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Brazil (-6.2% per year) and China (+8.3% per year).

Exports By Type

Leather of bovine and equine animals represented the key type of leather in the world, with the volume of exports recording 1.4B square meters, which was approx. 83% of total exports in 2024. It was distantly followed by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (212M square meters), making up a 13% share of total exports. Composition leather (58M square meters) held a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2013 to 2024, average annual rates of growth with regard to leather of bovine and equine animals exports of stood at -4.7%. composition leather (-4.7%) and sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-7.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of leather of bovine and equine animals (+3.9 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global exports from 2013-2024, the share of sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-3.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, leather of bovine and equine animals ($9.7B) remains the largest type of leather supplied worldwide, comprising 81% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather ($1.7B), with a 14% share of global exports. It was followed by chamois, patent and combination leather, with a 3% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of leather of bovine and equine animals exports stood at -6.5%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-9.2% per year) and chamois, patent and combination leather (-7.1% per year).

Export Prices By Type

In 2024, the average leather export price amounted to $7.2 per square meter, dropping by -1.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a slight shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 9.3%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $9.5 per square meter in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was chamois, patent and combination leather ($21 per square meter), while the average price for exports of composition leather ($3.4 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by composition leather (+3.4%), while the other products experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Export Prices By Country

In 2024, the average leather export price amounted to $7.2 per square meter, waning by -1.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a mild descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average export price increased by 9.3%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $9.5 per square meter in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($15 per square meter), while Paraguay ($1.1 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+9.5%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.