China's ministry of industry and information has included several segments of the leather industry among a group of industrial sectors that experienced production growth during 2009.

The ministry said that leather production in China's tanneries grew in 2009, although only by 0.4%. Leather garment manufacturers enjoyed greater growth, measured at 6.6% compared to 2008.

Local manufacturers of leather handbags have reported an increase in their output last year of 8.7%.