France: Value of leathergoods sales to Asia up eightfold in five years
Asia takes more than a third of leather industry exports from France, worth a total €2.8 billion in 2014, according to the French Leather Council (CNC).
This figure was a 4% increase over 2013.
Sales to Singapore and China increased by 21% and 7% respectively, sales to Japan were stable while sales to Hong Kong fell 10% - more than likely driven by the clampdown in luxury spending in China.
Leathergoods make up 83% of exports to Asia (€2.3 billion) and footwear 13% (€356 million). Leather makes up only 3% of sales (€91 million).
Handbag exports to China have increased fivefold in volume and eightfold in value in the five years to 2014: France exported 130,000 worth items 79.9 million last year.
Frank Boehly, president of CNC, said: “Despite the slowdown of the Chinese economy, sales of premium French leather items have continued to show strong growth in value terms on the Asian market. The luxury sector and French savoir-faire are the major strengths of our industry.”
CNC’s figures show there are 8,000 businesses with joint turnover of €15 billion and employing 70,000 operating in the leather industry in France. It is the world’s largest exporter of calf and exotic leathers.
