Global Leather Market's Steady Growth Forecast at 1.0% CAGR Through 2035

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The global leather market consumed 5.7 billion square meters in 2024, with a market value of $40.9B. Driven by worldwide demand, the market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of +1.0% in volume and +1.6% in value through 2035, reaching 6.3B sqm and $48.9B respectively. China is the largest consumer (1.3B sqm), while Brazil, the US, and China are top producers. Leather of bovine and equine animals dominates both consumption (64%) and production (61%). Global trade has contracted, with import and export values showing significant declines from 2014 peaks, though countries like Turkey and Cambodia show notable growth in consumption and import volume, respectively.

Key Findings

• Global leather market volume is forecast to grow at a +1.0% CAGR, reaching 6.3B square meters by 2035
• China is the leading consumer (23% share), while Italy has the highest per capita consumption at 9 square meters
• Bovine and equine leather dominates, constituting 64% of consumption and 61% of global production
• International trade has significantly contracted, with import value down 57% and export value down 56% from 2014 peaks
• Turkey shows the strongest consumption value growth (+5.7% CAGR), and Cambodia the strongest import volume growth (+11.5% CAGR)

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 totaled 5.7B square meters, flattening at 2023. In general, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 9.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global consumption attained the maximum volume at 5.9B square meters in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The global leather market size fell slightly to $40.9B in 2024, stabilizing at 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, saw a mild reduction. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $49.8B. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the global market remained at a lower figure.

Consumption By Country

China (1.3B square meters) remains the largest leather consuming country worldwide, accounting for 23% of total volume. Moreover, leather consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Italy (532M square meters), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the United States (480M square meters), with an 8.5% share.

In China, leather consumption decreased 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, together comprising 29% of the global market. India, Turkey, Pakistan, Vietnam, Egypt, Bangladesh and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 27%.

Turkey, with a CAGR of +5.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to 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.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the leather per capita consumption in Italy stood at +1.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: 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. Sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (530M square meters) ranked third in terms of total consumption 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 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, market remained relatively stable over the period from 2013-2024. 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

Global leather production fell slightly to 5.2B square meters in 2024, stabilizing at the year before. Overall, production saw 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. Global production peaked at 5.8B square meters in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, leather production fell to $43.7B in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a slight decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by 7.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs 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 accounting for 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 most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the main producing countries, was attained by 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.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of leather of bovine and equine animals production was relatively modest. 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 plunged by an average annual rate of -1.9% over the period from 2013-2024. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: 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

After two years of decline, purchases abroad of leather increased by 2.4% to 2.1B square meters in 2024. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 22% against the previous year. Global imports peaked at 2.9B square meters in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, leather imports shrank to $11.4B in 2024. Overall, imports, however, saw a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 24%. Global imports peaked at $26.3B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports By Country

In 2024, China (719M square meters) represented the major importer of leather, committing 34% of total imports. Italy (394M square meters) took a 19% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Vietnam (12%). The following importers - Thailand (88M square meters), India (68M square meters), Cambodia (48M square meters), Spain (47M square meters) and Indonesia (41M square meters) - together made up 14% of total imports.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Cambodia (with a CAGR of +11.5%), while purchases 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, with a combined 36% share of global imports. Thailand, Spain, Cambodia, India and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 17%.

Cambodia, with a CAGR of +8.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries 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, reaching 1.8B square meters, which was approx. 88% of total imports in 2024. It was distantly followed by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (154M square meters), comprising a 7.3% share of total imports. Composition leather (85M square meters) took a little share of total imports.

Imports of leather of bovine and equine animals decreased at an average annual rate of -2.3% from 2013 to 2024. 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. From 2013 to 2024, the share of leather of bovine and equine animals increased by +3.8 percentage points. 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 taken 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 rate of growth in terms of the value of leather of bovine and equine animals imports stood at -6.5%. With regard to the other imported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (-8.6% per year) and composition leather (+3.0% per year).

Import Prices By Type

The average leather import price stood at $5.4 per square meter in 2024, waning by -13.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a noticeable setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average import price increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $9.5 per square meter in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2024, 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

The average leather import price stood at $5.4 per square meter in 2024, with a decrease of -13.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a perceptible shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced 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 remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2024, 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 consecutive year, the global market recorded decline in overseas shipments of leather, which decreased by -2.7% to 1.7B square meters in 2024. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 15%. The global exports peaked at 3B square meters in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, leather exports fell slightly to $12B in 2024. Overall, exports continue to indicate a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 26%. The global exports peaked at $27.4B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat 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 generating 42% of total exports. 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) took a little share of total exports.

Exports from Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -2.3% from 2013 to 2024. 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. From 2013 to 2024, the share of China, Brazil and Thailand increased by +6.7, +6.1 and +1.7 percentage points, 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 held by Brazil ($1.2B), with a 10% share of global exports. It was followed by China, with a 9% share.

In Italy, leather exports contracted by an average annual rate of -5.9% over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (-6.2% per year) and China (+8.3% per year).

Exports By Type

Leather of bovine and equine animals was the major type of leather in the world, with the volume of exports accounting for 1.4B square meters, which was near 83% of total exports in 2024. It was distantly followed by sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather (212M square meters), mixing up a 13% share of total exports. Composition leather (58M 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 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. Leather of bovine and equine animals (+3.9 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while sheep, goat, swine or reptile leather, excluding chamois leather saw its share reduced by -3.9% 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 ($9.7B) remains the largest type of leather supplied worldwide, comprising 81% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held 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.

For leather of bovine and equine animals, exports plunged by an average annual rate of -6.5% over the period from 2013-2024. 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

The average leather export price stood at $7.2 per square meter in 2024, reducing by -1.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a slight reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 9.3% against the previous year. The global export price peaked 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

The average leather export price stood at $7.2 per square meter in 2024, which is down by -1.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 9.3%. The global export price peaked at $9.5 per square meter in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2024, 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.