Leather articles market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for leather articles in Italy showed significant volatility from 2018 to 2024. After a decline to 170.2 million US dollars in 2019, the market grew to 194.7 million in 2020. This stabilization coincided with the introduction of Legislative Decree No. 68 in June 2020, which established strict labeling rules for the terms 'leather' and 'fur' to protect consumers and combat unfair competition and counterfeiting. This regulatory clarity likely helped restore consumer confidence and supported market value.

A sharp market expansion followed in 2021, with the market size jumping to 316.4 million US dollars. While no specific drivers were reported for that year, the regulatory framework was further tightened in October 2022, banning incorrect use of leather terms even for warehouse stock and mandating full compliance with the 2020 decree. The industry also highlighted its leadership in high-end segments and a growing focus on sustainable production processes. Despite these developments, the market size contracted significantly to 195.1 million US dollars in 2022, suggesting broader economic headwinds offset these positive structural factors.

From 2023, the leather supply chain faced notable challenges, including geopolitical instability, slowdowns in key export markets like China and Germany, difficulties in accessing credit, and rising production costs. These pressures led to a reduction in industrial production and the number of active firms. Nevertheless, domestic market size edged up to 208.0 million US dollars in 2023, supported by sustained demand for luxury and high-quality leather goods. By 2024, the market recovered further to 263.0 million US dollars, even as the overall industry turnover reportedly decreased, indicating a resilient domestic consumption base and a continued focus on sustainability and transparency within the sector.

Production leather articles in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's leather goods production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 341.9 million US dollars, marking a 4.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 28.1%, with an annualized decline of 10.4%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 507.9 million US dollars, which saw a 6.8% increase that year. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 29.6% decrease.

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

Exports leather articles from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's leather goods exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 1 974 tonnes, representing a sharp 35.4% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 53%, equating to an annualized decline of 22.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italian leather goods were exported to numerous markets, with even the largest destinations—Romania, Hungary, and Portugal—accounting for just 39.9% of total export volume combined.

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

Italy's leather goods exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 227.1 million US dollars, reflecting a sudden 26.3% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 46.1%, with an annualized decline of 18.6%.

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

The export structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified, with Romania (20.6% of export value), the United States (13.8%), and Hong Kong (7.9%) together accounting for only 42.3% of total flows, and no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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 articles to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's leather goods imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 1 729 tonnes, which is 17.7% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 51.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 21.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania (30.4% of import volume), Tunisia (23.9%), and China (15.5%) were the main sources in Italy's leather goods import geography, together representing 69.8% of total flows.

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

Italy's leather goods imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 227.1 million US dollars, down by 33.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 56.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 24.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Romania, Tunisia, and China—together accounted for 68.2% of Italy's total leather goods import value.

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

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