Leather apparel market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Italian leather apparel market value grew from $396 million to $726 million. This expansion was supported by Italy's established world leadership in leather production and processing, which reinforced the sector's export capacity. In 2020, despite pandemic constraints that limited general production and sales, the luxury leather segment proved exceptionally dynamic, with an estimated 16% growth that helped drive the overall market higher.

Following the 2020 peak, the market value contracted, reaching $279 million by 2024. During this period, the industry focused on innovation and sustainability to maintain competitiveness, while global trade tensions, including U.S. duties on European goods, created challenges for exports. Concurrent shifts in consumer preferences towards higher-quality and sustainable products also influenced demand patterns, with the market showing signs of stabilization by 2024 after a multi-year decline.

Production leather apparel in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's leather apparel production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 002 million US dollars, marking a 16.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 34%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 709 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 5.1%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 21.6% jump.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports leather apparel from Italy

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, Italy's foreign leather apparel supplies declined. In 2020, exports totaled 1 388 tonnes, representing a 28.3% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 24.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 1 935 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Italy's leather apparel exports in kind was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 16.7% of exports, France for 15.1%, and the United Kingdom for 10.4%, together making up only 42.1% of total flows. The remaining 57.9% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Leather apparel exports from Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 421.6 million US dollars, reflecting a significant contraction of 15.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 21.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, there was no single dominant market for Italy's leather apparel exports in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 16.5% of exports, France for 14.1%, and the United States for 10.7%, together taking only 41.3% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports leather apparel to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Foreign leather apparel supplies to Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 639 tonnes, which is 25.1% less year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India, Vietnam, and Ukraine continued to be the main suppliers of leather apparel to Italy in kind. India accounted for 27.8% of imports, Vietnam for 12.1%, and Ukraine for 11.9%, jointly forming 51.8% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Leather apparel imports to Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 146.0 million US dollars, reflecting a decrease of 23.3% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 30%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, India, France, and Ukraine were the largest but not dominant suppliers of leather apparel to Italy in value terms. India accounted for 25.6% of imports, France for 11.1%, and Ukraine for 6.3%, together making up 43.0% of total imports against a broad background of smaller partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020