The French leather supply chain is holding up in 2024: in the period from January to August, the trade balance shows little change year-on-year. Alliance France Cuir, however, fears 2025.
All things considered, leather is holding up in 2024
According to data from the association representing the entire industry, the country is expected to maintain its fourth position in world exports, generating a trade surplus of EUR 5.8 billion. Looking in detail, exports of raw hides and leathers decreased in value by 4% in the first eight months of the year. Growth in Italy (+3%) and China (+8%) did not compensate for falls of some of the regular customers: -56% in Turkey, -47% in Spain and -7% in Belgium. The weakness of international demand weighed on the turnover of the French tanning industry, which fell by 4%. To be acknowledged, was the +19% in exports of finished leather to Italy and -31% to China. “On average, we are selling leathers at 40% less than in 2018”, explains Christophe Dehard, president of Alliance France Cuir, “despite the fact that costs have increased”.
Accessories
French footwear exports fell by 3%, despite sales to China doubling in pairs, generating a 60% growth in turnover. The sector estimates that there is still room for growth in the Chinese market, especially with luxury shoes. Overall, the 2024 turnover of French shoe manufacturers will decrease by 3%. Leather goods exports are expected to rise by only 2% in 2024. This is a rather low growth compared to the past (+5% in 2023, for example). While China has boosted footwear exports, the same market has slowed down the bags market exports, down by 4%. With regard to leather goods, Alliance France Cuir believes that “the situation in this country is particularly worrying”.
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