From the editor

European Union (EU) is the largest importer of leather, leather products and footwear, with an import value of USD 101.63 billion in 2024, accounting for a huge share of 37.22%, in the global import of USD 273.06 billion. EU has been the traditional major market for Indian Footwear and Leather Industry, accounting for a share of about 43% in exports from the sector.

During 2024, India’s export of India’s export of leather, leather products and footwear to EU was USD 2.37 billion having a market share of 2.33% in EU.  Hence, there is a huge potential to substantially increase our exports to EU.

 

The recently concluded India EU FTA will open-up new opportunities and will help in achieving the envisaged export target of USD 14 billion by 2030.  This FTA will enhance the India – EU co-operation in footwear and Leather sector, not only in the area of sourcing but also in the area of investments.

India has a huge domestic market for footwear and leather products, with a turnover of USD 19 billion, out of which the footwear turnover alone is USD 19 billion. India is the second largest consumer of footwear with an annual consumption of USD 2.59 billion pairs. With the per capita consumption of footwear projected to grow from 2 pairs to 4 pairs in the next 5 years, the footwear market will grow substantially.  The domestic turnover of Indian footwear and leather products industry is projected to grow from USD 19 billion to USD 36 billion by 2029-30. Besides, the exports are expected to increase from current USD 5.6 billion to USD 14 billion by 2029-30.  This provides huge scope for EU companies for Investments and Joint Ventures.

With best wishes

Selvam
Executive Director
COUNCIL FOR LEATHER EXPORTS