The capacity of the Indian leather industry has increased by over 20% in a 12-month period as a result of expansion in the tanning, footwear and leather goods sectors. Speaking on the eve of 21st Indian International Leather Fair (IILF), M. Rafeeque Ahmed, chairman of CLE and Dr. K. Elangovan, executive director of CLE, stated that most of the expansion in industry has occurred in Kanpur and Chennai.

They added that they are very optimistic about future growth of the leather industry, particularly in terms of foreign direct investments from Italy, Brazil, Portugal, and other Latin American countries, saying that India is a focus country for future growth in the leather industry.

The labour resources, manufacturing techniques and favourably priced goods are the major advantages for leather exporters Mr Rafeeque said, adding that, The Indian leather sector has unprecedented experience that it can now process any kind of raw material irrespective of its origin.” 

The four-day IILF, which is organised by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) with co-sponsorship of the Council of Leather Exports, is the largest leather fair in India. Covering an area of 5,800 m² it has attracted 320 exhibitors, 21 of which are from abroad.