All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) held in Shanghai from 30 August – 1 September concluded with both exhibitors and visitors experiencing a rewarding 4 days.

Nearly 700 delegates attending the 3rd World Leather Congress one day before the fair and around 22,700+ professional visitors passed through the 8 halls during the 3-day trade fair. 1,081 exhibitors participated in this 2017 event comprising both international and domestic exhibitors.

Despite a very slight drop in visitors from Mainland China, the total number was in par with last year as more buyers from ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia, and visitors from Japan and Korea visited the ACLE. The number of buyers travelling to Shanghai to source leather and meet new suppliers highlights the importance of ACLE as a business platform for the surrounding manufacturing regions. Crucially major companies and key buyers were all present attending this annual event well-placed to serve both China and ASEAN.

The fairground saw a steady flow of visitors during the 3-days and due to a 25% – 30% decline in leather prices since APLF culminated at end March, there was evidence of bargain hunting and this facilitated negotiation between the tanneries and raw material suppliers as well as chemicals companies.

Early media reports indicated that ACLE exhibitors, especially chemical companies are satisfied with the “lively business being done with the Chinese buyers” and some described it as a “productive fair”.

What exhibitors said:

In addition to business and performance evaluation of leather sector worldwide, ACLE is a fair that reiterates the presence of Brazil in the international scenario. It consolidates the image of Brazilian leather, especially the finished type, and establishes a long-term vision of the country’s industry.

Emerson Fuga, Director, Luiz Fuga Tannery (Brazil)

We have participated in every single ACLE since its beginning 20 years ago and intend to continue to do so. This is the best place to meet and keep contact with our customers in China.

Manuel Rios Navarro, General Director, INPELSA (Spain)

Our products attracted a lot of attention and enquiries, including from potential buyers in Russia, Mongolia and Pakistan. It fits our marketing strategy to start exporting.

Martin Sun, Director, GSES Leather (China)

We are delighted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of our company at ACLE. We are producing release papers and the focus of the next ten years is to to begin to export and ACLE, the most international leather fair in China is a good start.

Xie Lei, Foreign Trade Manager, Zhejiang Karen Specialties (China)

What buyers said:

This is my first overseas exhibition and I am delighted to have attended ACLE. Here I can find suppliers who are able to produce innovative footwear materials, components and machines that I could not find in Vietnam and I am certain I will come back in the future.

Nguyen Dang Huy, Dang Tuan Manufacturing, Trading & Services Co., Ltd. (Vietnam)

I am coming here to look for leather and footwear materials for my 12 factories in Vietnam and I am confident that I will be placing orders with some suppliers.

Le Van Thanh, Chairman, DongLuc Group (Vietnam)