UK leather industry faces ongoing trade pressure
09/06/2025
Exports fell by 6.7% in value, despite a 2.3% rise in volume, indicating lower average prices. Finished leather exports saw the sharpest drop, with volumes down by more than 30%. Part-processed leather exports increased in both volume and value, but unit prices weakened.
Imports also declined, with total values down 8.1% and volumes 16.7%, reflecting weaker domestic demand but firmer prices. Bovine hide imports stabilised, though imports of other raw materials, such as ovine skins, continued to fall.
The EU remained the UK’s most important trading partner, accounting for 86% of imports and 39% of exports by value. Overall trade with the EU declined again in 2024, and the report highlights risks linked to the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The UK’s leather goods trade deficit widened further, as exports fell 13.6% while imports rose in both value and volume.
The report points to ongoing challenges for the industry, including weak global demand, economic uncertainty and looming regulatory change.
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