Chamois leather market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian chamois leather market experienced a significant contraction from 2.7 million m² in 2018 to 1.8 million m² in 2020. This decline was accelerated in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted logistics and reduced consumer demand for leather goods.

A slight recovery to 1.9 million m² occurred in 2021, supported by import substitution policies in the garment sector which bolstered demand for domestic and combined leather materials. However, the market collapsed to 1.3 million m² in 2022 following international sanctions, the exit of global brands, and sharp increases in raw material and energy costs, which constrained supply and raised production expenses.

Post-2022, the market stabilized around 1.2 million m², with a minor increase to 1.3 million m² in 2023 before declining to 1.2 million m² in 2024. Domestic production continued its downward trend, falling to 918 thousand m² in 2025.

Production chamois leather in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K m²

Russia's chamois leather production has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2021, production reached 1,492 thousand square meters, marking a significant 35.0% drop compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 47.5%, with an average annual decline rate of 19.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K m²

Exports chamois leather from Russia

Exports in kind, m²

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 17 square meters, then peaked in 2020 at 240 square meters, representing a 13.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia exported 58 square meters of chamois leather, which was a sharp 75.9% decrease from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a growth of 1,276.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, m²

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus accounted for 73.4% of Russia's total chamois leather exports by volume, while the remaining share was distributed among a variety of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 2.0 thousand US dollars, then reached their peak in 2018, with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia's cross-border shipments of chamois leather amounted to 4.0 thousand US dollars, showing a modest 8.3% decrease from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 70.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a growth of 114.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Belarus, Singapore, and Kazakhstan were the leading destinations for Russia's chamois leather exports by value, accounting for 30.0%, 23.0%, and 19.6% respectively. Together, these three countries represented 72.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports chamois leather to Russia

Imports in kind, m²

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports dropped to their minimum in 2020 at 19,931 square meters, then climbed to their maximum in 2021 at 46,996 square meters, representing a 2.4-fold shift. In 2021, Russia imported 46,996 square meters of chamois leather, which was a 135.8% increase year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 33.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, m²

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea and Italy dominated Russia's chamois leather imports by volume, jointly accounting for 91.5% of total flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign chamois leather supplies to Russia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 870.4 thousand US dollars, indicating a 69.2% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 500.0 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 38.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea and Italy consistently accounted for 85.1% of Russia's total chamois leather imports by value, indicating a high degree of market concentration, alongside a long tail of smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021