The Chinese Government's current Five-Year Plan has proposed a new direction for the development of China's leather industry in the period 2006-2010 in order to capitalise on the success of the country’s leather sector during the previous Five-Year Plan (2001-2005). The current proposal aims to move the industry from quantity production to quality, through means such as branding, development and sustainable manufacturing products and processes in exports.

In response to these guidelines the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) has developed reference standards designed to control the quantity of exports and improve quality, whilst implementing the better use of resources, managing pollution and developing national brands. The new standards will be highlighted at ACLE, CIFF and Moda Shanghai in September.

In 2006, China's leather and leather goods exports increased 2.4% to $23.3 billion whilst footwear products exports rose 14% to $21 billion.