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Find Verified Leather Buyers, Importers and Buy Leads

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Leather & Leather Products: Export Opportunities Around the World

When it comes to strong and durable materials, leather is one of the first that comes to mind. It is made from animal hides and skins through a tanning process. The most common animals from which leathers are obtained are cattle, sheep, pigs, buffalo, goats, equine animals, ostriches, other aquatic animals, and even exotic animals (like snakes and alligators). From its earliest use (as clothing, footwear, and tools) to its modern-day application in various industries (especially fashion), leather has definitely come a long way. Today, it is regarded as one of the most important commodities in global trade. The demand for raw leather and its finished items continues to grow among bulk leather importers and international buyers of leather goods. And this presents a good opportunity for exporters looking to expand their leather business globally.



Why do Leather & Leather Products Dominate the Global Market?

The fact that we all know is that leather is one of the most widely traded commodities in the world. And leather and leather products play a key role in the world's economy. Even their synthetic alternatives represent a high share of the global market. This is due to the versatility and timelessness of this material which makes it invaluable in various sectors. In fact, the quality of leather improves with the passing years. Moreover, it is especially quite popular in the merchandise and fashion industry due to its superior texture, design, and grace. There is no doubt that the longevity and adaptability of leather make it a highly sought-after material across different industries. 


The luxury feel and appearance of leather (along with its resistance to wear and tear) add to its demand in the premium market segment.  However, the market is currently shifting towards sustainability. And that's why alternatives like vegan leather, leather (made from food waste), and plant-based leather are becoming popular. Developing countries like India, Vietnam, and Brazil are emerging as new leaders in this industry, and they are seeing strong interest from leather products importers or buyers. 



Key Varieties & Products in Demand from Leather Importers

Leather comes in different types on the basis of its source, quality and processing methods. Here are the most common leather varieties:

Leather TypeDescriptionUse Cases
Full-Grain LeatherMost durable, highest-quality leather

Retains natural texture
High-end bags, belts, shoes
Top-Grain LeatherSlightly corrected, more flexible

More uniform look
Wallets, jackets, furniture
Split LeatherMade from fibrous lower layers

Examples include Suede & nubuck
Coated products, cheaper goods
Bonded LeatherMade from scrap pieces

Most affordable leather type
Promotional or budget items
PVC / Faux LeatherSynthetic or imitation leather

Usually made from PU or PVC
Furniture, bags, belts
Genuine LeatherReal leather made from animal hides

Lower-grade, more affordable
Footwear, handbags, leather gloves
Aniline LeatherDyed leather

More breathable & soft
Luxury goods, furniture, and accessories like leather cardholders
Nappa LeatherType of full-grain leather

Known for its softness & smooth finish
High-end products, automotive interiors like car seats, fashion accessories
Patent LeatherProcessed to create a high-gloss, reflective surface

Shiny & water resistant
Shoes, handbags, outerwear


Exporters are receiving lots of inquiries for high-quality and customizable goods from leather & leather products importers. Here are the most traded and in-demand leather products. 

In addition, leather products buyers often look for industry-specific items such as leather chemicals, cow leather, and PVC leather. Also, offering a diversified product catalog can help exporters meet the requirements of a range of finished leather buyers. 



Market Insight Overview: What Exporters Should Know

Here are the key global market insights that every exporter or supplier should know to identify business growth opportunities.

Global Leather Goods Market Size 

MetricValue
Market Size (2024)$498.57 billion
Market size (2025)$531.07 billion
Expected Market Size (2032)$855.36 billion
CAGR (2025-2032)7.05%
Dominating Region (2024)Europe (with a 37.44% market share)







Source: Fortune Business Insights


Top Three Importers of Leather Products

Country NameTotal Shipments
Vietnam412,754
United States331,291
India184,462

Source: Volza


Leather Products HSN Codes

HSN CodesDifferent Leather Products
4101Raw hides and skins (bovine or equine)
4102Raw hides and skins (sheep or lamb)
4103Other raw hides and skins
4104Tanned or crust hides of bovine
4105Tanned or crust skins of sheep or lamb
4106Other tanned or crust hides and skins
4112Finished leather (not further prepared)
4115Composition leather (slabs, sheets, strips)
4203Leather apparel and clothing accessories
4201Saddlery and harness for animals (saddles, harnesses, reins, etc. of leather)
4202Leather travel goods and handbags
6403Leather footwear with leather uppers
9401Leather seats and parts


To get the latest updates on leather products or to connect with fellow traders, visit our Communities section.



How to Find Leather & Leather Products Buyers?

Whether you are looking for leather importers or a buyer of leather goods, these effective methods can help you in many ways:

  • One of the most effective ways to find leather buyers is through B2B platforms like go4WorldBusiness. You can visit the platform, sign up, and list your leather products. The most reliable B2B marketplaces provide you with a list of verified leather & leather product buyers, along with a money-back guarantee. 


  • You can also tap into LinkedIn for B2B outreach. Most people don't know but this social media channel is a goldmine for identifying and connecting with leather importers and sourcing managers across the globe. 


  • Participating in trade fairs or networking events can also help you reach your potential leather products buyers. The benefit of this method is that you get to meet people face-to-face, which assists in building trustworthy professional relationships. Some notable trade shows include the India International Leather Fair (IILF), the Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX), APLF Leather in Hong Kong, and Lineapelle.


  • You can join Export Promotion Councils like the Council for Leather Exports (CLE). These councils provide support in the form of international buyer-seller meet-ups. In fact, they also share market insights and industry reports. You can even ask for a leather buyers directory. 


  • One of the easiest ways is to look for leather importers or leather goods buyers online on Google search. You can use long-tail keywords, such as 'leather and leather products buyers near me' for instant results. 



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):


1. What leather products are in demand?

Leather products that are consistently in high demand include leather bags, wallets, belts, gloves, jackets, phone cases, and shoes. 


2. Who is the biggest importer of leather products?

Vietnam is the biggest importer of leather products, followed by the United States and India. 


3. Which country is best for leather products?

Italy is known to be the best country for leather products. It is due to their high-quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and innovative designs. Other countries like China and Brazil also produce leather in large quantities.


4. What are the different types of leather?

Here are the major different types of leather:

  • Full-grain leather
  • Top-grain leather
  • Split leather
  • Bonded leather
  • Synthetic types (like PVC & PU leather)


5. Where does leather come from?

Leather comes from the hides and skins of various animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, etc. 


6. Is leather a sustainable material?

There are some leather varieties that are sourced sustainably. These include plant-based options (like Pinatex), mushroom leather, cactus leather, lab-grown leather, etc. 


7. What is the scope of leather export from India?

India is one of the major global leather producers and exporters. The country holds a considerable global market share. India offers significant potential in leather exports because of its diverse product range, skilled workforce, and competitive pricing.


8. What documents are needed for leather export?

Documents needed for leather export include:

  • IEC code
  • Registration with CLE
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Commercial invoice
  • Shipping documents


9. Is leather export profitable?

Yes, leather export is a profitable business opportunity due to high-margin products, rising global demand, as well as increasing interest in premium and utility-grade leather. 



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