France is in the leading group of leather exporting countries (hides and finished products) as the 4th largest exporter of leather goods, taking all sectors into account
The Conseil National du Cuir (French Leather Council) is publishing its annual report on world trade in the leather sector*.
The French leather sector is in a prime position as the 4th largest exporter in the world across all sectors, with 4% of all international exports after China, Italy and Vietnam. Its main clients are Italy (15% of exports) where France has gained four percentage points in this market over the last decade, Hong-Kong (13% of exports) and the USA (10% of exports).
A great performance for French leather wholesalers as France is the 3rd biggest exporter in the world of leathers and raw hides
Exports of leathers and raw hides from France represent 6.1%, in value terms, of world trade in these products. France is in third place behind the USA and Australia. A stable situation as we have held this third place for a number of years. Over the last 10 years we have seen the USA lose four percentage points of market share and Australia gain three percentage points. Our clients are Italy (75%), China (9%) and Spain (5%).
French leather goods are still in high demand internationally
France maintains its position as the 3rd largest exporter of leather goods, with almost 10% of international exports. In 10 years, France has earned almost 2 percentage points in this market and is closing on Italy (12.6%) but remains far behind China, which represents 52.6% of total exports.
The growth in leather goods exports from Vietnam should be highlighted. It becomes the third largest supplier to the USA, moving ahead of France this year.
China remains the leader as the largest supplier to the USA, Japan and France.
Overseas demand for clothing and accessories in leather from France is showing strong growth.
With 5.2% of total worldwide exports, France is at the 5th place. Ten years ago, France was at the 7th place and its exports represented just 2.6% of world trade in these items.
High levels of imported leather articles from Asia and also from Italy
France is one of the main importers in the footwear, leather goods and leather clothing and accessories sectors. It is the 3rd largest importer of shoes (6% of global imports, with China supplying 29% and Italy 21% of French imports), and leather clothing and accessories (7.7% of global imports, with Italy supplying 20% and India 24% of French imports). France is the 4th largest importer of leather goods (6.3% of global imports, China supplying 42% and Italy 31% of French imports).
The Economic Observatory of the French Leather Council (CNC):
It carries out monthly surveys of the leather industry in the following sectors: tanning, footwear and leathergoods. It also carries out monthly and annual surveys of collectors of leathers and raw hides.
The Economic Observatory processes and disseminates the external trade data provided by the French Customs authorities, the results of annual production surveys and data relating to global trade.
The publications produced by the Economic Observatory contain statistics on imports and exports, herd size, controlled slaughter, the collection of raw hides, production, deliveries, invoicing, headcount and payroll in the various sectors of the leather industry.
The Economic Observatory also works on the monthly, seasonal and annual surveys of the Fédération des Enseignes de la Chaussure (French footwear retailers).
