Leather articles market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German leather articles market contracted sharply between 2018 and 2019, with production falling from 125.5 million US dollars to 56.6 million US dollars and market size dropping from 136.3 million to 74.6 million US dollars. This decline was driven by sustained price pressure as consumer demand shifted toward non-leather articles and fashion affinity increased, alongside the ongoing migration of production to low-wage countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a severe downturn in 2020, with travel restrictions leading to a collapse in demand for luggage and business cases. However, the market began to recover in 2021, reaching a production value of 62.3 million US dollars and a market size of 89.7 million US dollars, as post-lockdown catch-up effects took hold and German manufacturers leveraged their access to high-quality materials.

From 2022 onward, the leather goods and accessories market experienced growth fueled by regained consumption and travel freedom, which spurred catch-up demand. Market participants expanded their portfolios with innovative and sustainable products, such as new luxury collections and lab-grown leather, while focusing on high-quality production. Although the number of enterprises continued to decline, the industry's revenue rose, supported by these trends and increasing consumer interest in premium and eco-friendly items.

Production leather articles in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, Germany's leather article production was valued at 56.6 million US dollars, representing a sharp year-on-year decline of 54.9%. Over the 2017-2019 period, production fell by 52.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -22.0%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 125.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.0%.

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

Exports leather articles from Germany

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Germany's leather article export volumes declined. In 2020, exports totaled 2 071 tonnes, down 28.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 914 tonnes, while the largest annual increase of 44.0% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's leather article exports in kind were distributed across numerous countries. Poland accounted for 26.3% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.4%, and France for 9.1%, with these three markets together representing 48.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Germany's leather article exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 51.206 million US dollars, a 26.8% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 35.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Poland, and Tunisia were among the largest buyers of German leather articles in value terms, accounting for 10.8%, 9.0%, and 6.8% of exports, respectively. However, even combined, they represented just 26.6% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports leather articles to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany imported 3 202 tonnes of leather articles, an 18.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 18.9%, with an annualized rate of -6.7%. The largest annual increase of 8.6% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, India, and Italy formed the main cluster of markets for Germany's leather article imports in kind. China accounted for 61.9% of imports, India for 9.7%, and Italy for 6.0%, together comprising 77.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Germany's leather article imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 70.636 million US dollars, marking a significant 19.6% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 89.032 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and Poland were the main suppliers of leather articles to Germany in value terms. China accounted for 30.7% of imports, Italy for 17.2%, and Poland for 12.6%, together comprising 60.5% of total import value.

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

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