Turkey remains key supplier to US leather market
Turkey’s leather and fur apparel exports grew 17.2% to $226.6 million in 2025, despite a 5.3% decline in total leather and leather goods exports, according to the Istanbul Leather and Leather Products Exporters’ Association (IDMIB).
Footwear and processed leather exports fell, while leather accessories saw modest growth.
The United States remains a key market, receiving one in four exported leather jackets. EU countries accounted for 40.7% of Turkey’s total leather exports, followed by the Middle East (12%) and the Americas (8.4%). Germany led by individual country share at 8.2%, followed by Italy (7.2%), Iraq (7.1%), and the US (6.8%).
Talking to local media, IDMIB Chairman Guven Karaca said high inflation and interest rates increased production costs and weakened price competitiveness, particularly against Asian and some European competitors. He added that exporters are seeking stabilisation in 2026 rather than rapid recovery.
Leather remains among Turkey’s highest value exports, with an average export price of $13.9 per kilogram, ranking fourth after jewellery, defence and aviation, and ready-to-wear apparel.
Photo by Neil Wallace on Unsplash
