Chairman Column

As you are kindly aware, significant support measures and duty reductions were announced for the footwear and leather sector in Union Budget 2025-26.

The leather and footwear industry wholeheartedly thanks Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister ; Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Shri Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs for announcing the Focus Product Scheme for Footwear & Leather Sector  in the Union Budget 2025-26 to enhance the productivity, quality and competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector  The scheme will support thrust areas namely design capacity, component manufacturing, and machinery required for production of footwear and products. The scheme is expected to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, generate turnover of  Rs.4 lakh crore and exports of over Rs.1.1 lakh crore.  This scheme will significantly enhance production and productivity by attracting investments and will strengthen the component & machinery eco system in the  country.

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the 20% export duty on crust leather has been removed. Besides, the 10% import duty on wet blue leather has also been removed. This will strengthen the tanning industry and will significantly promote exports of value added products from the country. In its pre budget proposals, CLE had also requested removal of 20% export duty on wet blue leather and also removal of 10% import duty on crust and finished leathers. We will pursue these with the Government for favourable consideration.

On the whole, the Union Budget 2025-26 has announced significant support measures for the sustainable growth of leather and footwear sector.

With kind regards

Rajendra Kumar Jalan
Chairman
COUNCIL FOR LEATHER EXPORTS