Leather UK publishes annual report
Industry body Leather UK has published its review of 2025, which paints a picture of a continuing downward trend in terms of exports and imports in the leather sector.
The total value of exports fell by 14% compared with 2024, a marginally larger decrease than seen in 2023. Total export volumes also fell but only by 2%, confirming that demand had largely stabilised but prices remained under pressure.
Import values were also down compared with the previous year, but the total volume was greater than the decline in total value, implying that cost of imports had risen again.
As seen in 2024, the value of raw material exports fell while export volumes rose slightly, suggesting that there was an appetite for raw materials at lower prices. The increases in the value and volume of part-processed leather exports in 2024 were not sustained through 2025.
In terms of leathergoods, the UK was again a net importer with a trade deficit of just over £306 million. Total export values fell by 15% while volumes fell by 27%, suggesting an increase in per unit cost of exported items. Handbags and wallets were hardest hit with values down nearly 25% and volumes down nearly 42%. This fall can be linked to the ongoing impact of Brexit, said Leather UK, as well as “falling consumer confidence”.
The UK leather industry is comprised of specialist and high-end producers of automotive, upholstery, shoe upper and sole, gloving, chamois, equestrian leather and wet blue leather.
To read the full report, click here.
