Rising Leather Demand in China and Southeast Asia:

Key Trends and Import Projections for 2025–2030

The leather industry in China and Southeast Asia is projected to experience steady growth from 2025 to 2030. The demand for leather is being driven by key sectors such as footwear, leather goods, garments, upholstery, and automotive. As economic growth continues in these regions, both consumer and industrial demand for leather products is expected to rise, making it essential to track key trends and import-export dynamics within the industry.

Estimated Leather Demand in China and Southeast Asia (2025–2030)

China remains the largest consumer of leather in Asia, with demand continuing to grow across multiple sectors. The footwear sector is expected to lead this growth, driven by an expanding middle class and a rising appetite for both premium and athletic footwear. By 2030, China’s leather footwear market could see annual growth rates of 8%. Demand for leather goods such as bags, wallets, and other fashion accessories is also forecast to rise, supported by increasing disposable incomes and consumer preference for luxury products. (Leather International, “Global Leather Market Report 2024-2030”).

Southeast Asia will see similar trends in the demand for leather, particularly in manufacturing-heavy nations such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. Footwear production is projected to remain the dominant driver, with both local consumption and exports boosting demand. The automotive and upholstery sectors are also growing in importance. In particular, the use of leather in high-end vehicles and premium furniture is set to increase as local economies continue to expand and consumer purchasing power rises. Southeast Asia’s leather demand is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5-6% by 2030, supported by both domestic manufacturing and international demand. (World Trade Organization (WTO), “Leather Goods and Raw Materials: Global Trade Data”).

Imports of Finished Leather, Semifinished Leather, Wet Blue for China and Southeast Asia (2025–2030)

Both China and Southeast Asia will rely heavily on imports to meet the rising demand for leather. Finished leather, which is the most processed and ready for use in high-end goods like footwear and leather goods, is expected to see substantial import increases. China, as the world’s largest importer of finished leather, is projected to continue this trend through 2030, with annual import growth expected to remain robust. Southeast Asia, with its strong manufacturing base but limited domestic production of finished leather, will similarly depend on imports to meet demand. (International Leather Industry Association (ILIA), “Leather Demand Trends in Asia 2025-2030”).

In addition to finished leather, imports of semifinished leather will see an uptick. Countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Thailand, are major consumers of semifinished leather for the production of footwear and leather goods. Wet blue leather, which requires further processing, will also see increased imports. As local tanning capacity in China and Southeast Asia struggles to meet demand, the importation of wet blue leather is expected to grow by 6-7% annually, with the greatest increase seen in Southeast Asia. (Statista, “Global Imports of Finished Leather by Region 2023”).

Exporting Countries in Percentage Terms of Leather to China and Southeast Asia

Brazil, India, and several African nations will continue to be the primary exporters of leather to China and Southeast Asia. Brazil is expected to maintain a strong position as a supplier of both finished and semifinished leather, with an increasing share of the market in Southeast Asia. India, with its large tanning industry, will continue to supply a significant amount of semifinished and wet blue leather to both China and Southeast Asia. By 2030, India is expected to account for more than 30% of leather exports to the region, while Brazil is projected to supply around 20%. (Leather International, “Global Leather Market Report 2024-2030”).

African nations, particularly Ethiopia and Kenya, are expected to play an increasingly important role in supplying wet blue leather. As Southeast Asia’s demand for raw materials grows, these countries are becoming key players in the global leather supply chain. In addition to Africa, other Asian exporters like Indonesia and Vietnam will continue to play an important role in meeting the needs of the Southeast Asian leather industry, especially for semifinished leather and wet blue products. Southeast Asia’s leather imports are projected to continue growing as the region’s manufacturing base expands. (Statista, “Global Imports of Finished Leather by Region 2023”).

The leather industry in China and Southeast Asia is undergoing significant growth, with key sectors such as footwear, automotive, and leather goods driving demand. As both regions continue to expand their production and consumption, imports of leather will play a crucial role in meeting market needs. Tracking these trends and understanding the key players in the leather supply chain will be vital for businesses navigating the evolving market landscape through 2030.

Sources:

• Leather International, “Global Leather Market Report 2024-2030.”
• World Trade Organization (WTO), “Leather Goods and Raw Materials: Global Trade Data.”
• International Leather Industry Association (ILIA), “Leather Demand Trends in Asia 2025-2030.”
• Statista, “Global Imports of Finished Leather by Region 2023.”

The next APLF event will be held in Hong Kong from 12- 14 March 2025.

To participate as an exhibitor and move closer to the main leather consuming and producing areas of SE Asia and China, contact the APLF team on how to participate in the world’s most important leather fair. Write to [email protected]