Chennai: India's leather and footwear sector is poised for significant growth, with two strategic trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union expected to play a crucial role in helping the country achieve its ambitious export target of $14 billion in leather products and non-leather footwear before the target year of 2030. This optimistic outlook was shared by R Selvam, executive director of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), during a press interaction in Chennai on Saturday.
Trade Deals to Boost Export Potential
Selvam emphasized that the India–EU trade deal, in particular, provides additional advantages that could substantially increase export volumes. "Currently, we are exporting around $2.4 billion to EU countries, and we expect it to increase to at least $6 billion by 2030," he stated. He further noted that if US tariffs are reduced, it would provide an additional boost to India's export performance in this sector.
Current Export Figures and Projections
India's leather exports in the 2024–25 fiscal year stood at $4.8 billion, excluding non-leather footwear. When combined with non-leather footwear exports, the total reached $5.5 billion. For the current fiscal year (FY26), Selvam projected that exports are likely to remain flat or reach the $5 billion to $5.5 billion mark, indicating a period of stabilization before anticipated growth.
Industry Resilience Amid Challenges
Abdul Wahab, regional chairman (South) of CLE, highlighted the difficulties faced by the leather industry over the past six months, particularly due to US tariffs. "It has really affected us, but the resilience and support from the government through various measures, such as hand-holding and guiding us during this crucial period—especially towards non-US destinations such as the UK, Russia, Europe and the Far East—have helped us tide over this period," he explained.
Despite a 50% tariff imposed by the US, the industry managed to achieve a one percent year-on-year growth from April–November 2024 compared to the same period in 2025, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and strategic diversification.
Upcoming International Leather Fair in Chennai
In related developments, Chennai is set to host the 39th India International Leather Fair 2026 from February 1 to 3, 2026, at the Chennai Trade Centre. This major event will showcase a wide range of products from the leather and footwear industry, featuring participation from 425 exhibitors across India and 67 international exhibitors from overseas.
The fair represents a significant opportunity for industry stakeholders to network, explore new markets, and showcase innovations that could further drive India's leather export growth in the coming years.
