The balance of the crisis in the leather supply chain : from January to September, 330 companies and 4,800 jobs were lost . Except for the Cassa Integrazione, all the numbers are negative. For Confindustria Accessori Moda , 2024 will close with a drop in turnover of 8.1% . “With the right support, we can also overcome this phase and continue to promote the excellence of Made in Italy” says, confidently, the president Giovanna Ceolini . By La Conceria.

The numbers of the crisis

In the third quarter of 2024, the turnover of the four sectors represented by Confindustria Moda (footwear, leather goods, tanning, fur) recorded a 9% decline. The fourth quarter should go better. Therefore, the projections for 2024 indicate a drop in revenues of 8.1% compared to 2023, with a global turnover of 30.1 billion euros . In the first 9 months of 2024, exports suffered a contraction of 8.5% , for a value that fell to 16.7 billion euros . With prices on the rise, the reduction in volumes and, therefore, in production is much more marked. The ISTAT index of industrial production for the manufacture of leather goods and similar recorded a double-digit decline for every month of 2024, except August. But already in September it fell back to -19.6% compared to the same month in 2023.

4,800 jobs

The decline in production is reflected in employment. According to data from the first 9 months of 2024, processed using Infocamere-Movimprese sources, approximately 4,800 jobs have gone up in smoke ( -3.3% ). While the number of active businesses has decreased by 3.2% , or 330 fewer businesses. The use of social safety nets is also growing : in the third quarter of 2024, more than one in three businesses resorted to Cassa Integrazione. According to INPS data, 26 million hours of CIG have been authorized : +139.4% compared to the same period in 2023.

The challenges of the leather supply chain

For Confindustria Moda Accessori, there are three main challenges to face. First : compliance with the new European directives on circular economy and environmental sustainability. Second : training and improving the skills required. Third : internationalization. “2024 was also a difficult year for our companies and the economic situation does not show significant signs of immediate improvement” comments Giovanna Ceolini. After appreciating the extension of the CIG granted by the government, the president also asks for “ a review of the deadlines for the funding received during the Covid crisis , to give relief to those who are fighting not to close. With the right support, we can also overcome this phase and continue to promote the excellence of Made in Italy”.