France records decline in leather exports in 2025.
16.01.2026 1092

France records decline in leather exports in 2025.

In the first 10 months of 2025, from January to October, French exports of rawhide, finished leather, footwear and leather goods showed negative growth, notes the French tanners' union Alliance France Cuir.

Sales of raw hides remained relatively stable, while processed leather exports declined by 4%, footwear sales fell by 3%, and leather goods sales by 4%. At the same time, company turnover also declined: tanneries by 10,7% and shoe factories by 5,6%. Revenue from leather goods manufacturers increased by 4% during the reporting period.

Alliance France Cuir attributes the decline in exports to declining sales in China and Hong Kong, which were the main markets for French leather goods in 2024, with a turnover of €4 billion. These markets surpassed the United States (€2,4 billion) and Italy (€1,9 billion). Leather goods accounted for 85% of turnover, while footwear accounted for 12%.

However, in the first ten months of 2025, exports to Asia fell by 8%. Sales declined in Japan by 9,5%, Korea by 7,5%, Hong Kong by 5,5%, and China by 4,6%. However, China accounts for a larger share of sales by value.

The housing crisis, which is prompting Chinese consumers to save, is playing a certain role in the decline in consumption in China. But that's not the only factor. Amélie Landmann of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IDF) believes the cause lies in a paradigm shift in consumption in Chinese society, which has brought an end to nearly 20 years of ultra-fast growth.

This includes so-called "luxury shame" and nationalist sentiments—a trend toward supporting domestically produced goods. Even consumer incentives from the central government have proven largely unsuccessful.

"Consumers are now looking for products that evoke specific emotions, experiences, niche products with high craftsmanship and a strong story," confirms Amélie Landmann. In this context, Alliance France Cuir believes it is essential to "find keys to strengthening its position in the Chinese market."

In the first 10 months of 2025, from January to October, French exports of rawhide, finished leather, footwear and leather goods showed negative growth, notes the French tanners' union Alliance…
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