Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Japanese market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins experienced notable shifts. Starting at 36.2 thousand tons in 2018, the market was characterized by a fragmented industry with many small-scale producers and a reliance on imported high-quality raw materials. In 2019, volume expanded to 39.6 thousand tons, supported by growing global demand for leather goods, particularly from luxury brands, and the expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity. The following year, market volume contracted to 37.7 thousand tons as supply chain disruptions and rising logistics costs, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, hampered trade and production.

The period from 2021 to 2023 saw further volatility. Market volume recovered to 38.9 thousand tons in 2021, sustained by steady leather demand despite increasing consumer interest in eco-friendly synthetic alternatives. A sharp surge to 45.4 thousand tons occurred in 2022, driven by Hermès International reporting a 16% year-on-year sales increase in its leather goods and saddlery division, which boosted demand for raw hides, coupled with continued high import penetration to meet domestic needs. However, the market declined to 41.7 thousand tons in 2023 as the industry grappled with underinvestment among small producers and persistent challenges in securing quality raw hides.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2018-2021

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2018-2021

In 2019, Japan's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins reached its lowest point at 24 830 t, declining by 0.9% from the previous year. Production then increased by 1.4% in 2020, and remained virtually unchanged in 2021 at 25 184 t.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins have grown for three consecutive years. In 2021, export volumes reached 16 914 t, marking a 20.3% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 70.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam were consistently the top destinations for Japan's exports in kind. Thailand accounted for 46.4% of exports, South Korea for 23.3%, and Vietnam for 19.5%, together representing 89.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Japan's export market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins showed volatility between 2018 and 2021. Exports hit a low in 2020 at 5 752 K $ US, declining by 39.1% from the previous year. In 2021, exports surged to 13 340 K $ US, a sharp increase of 131.9% from 2020, representing a 2.3-fold rise from the trough.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam were the largest contributors to Japan's export value. Thailand made up 45.9% of exports in value terms, South Korea 28.5%, and Vietnam 14.8%, collectively accounting for 89.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins increased by 30.8% in 2019, but then declined by 3.6% in 2020. In 2021, imports rebounded to 30 600 t, up 14.9% from 2020. Overall, imports grew by 45% from 2018 to 2021, with an average annual increase of 13.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea, the United States, and China were the primary sources for Japan's imports in kind. South Korea supplied 27.9% of imports, the United States 23.4%, and China 19.3%, together making up 70.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Japan's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms dropped for two years before increasing in 2021. Imports fell to a low of 28 465 K $ US in 2020, a decline of 33.6% from the previous year. In 2021, imports rose to 34 407 K $ US, up 20.9% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 25.2%, with an average annual decline of 9.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States, Canada, and China were the main suppliers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Japan in value terms. The United States accounted for 29.3% of imports, Canada for 23.8%, and China for 20.4%, together comprising 73.5% of total imports.

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

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