TIRUPATTUR: India’s leather goods exports have continued to grow marginally despite tariff measures imposed by the United States, with overall leather trade rising by 0.4% from 205 April-October period, with tariffs coming into effect on August 7.
But the rise is dwarfed by the 2024-25 data, which shows a three per cent rise in exports.
The marginal 0.4% growth has been driven mainly by higher shipments of leather footwear, leather garments, finished leather goods, saddlery, and non-leather footwear, even as exports of finished leather and footwear components declined during part of the period.
India remains one of the world’s key leather-producing nations, with Tamil Nadu playing a central role in manufacturing and exports. Leather products such as shoes, gloves and bags made in the State have built a strong presence in global markets over the years.
Within the erstwhile Vellore district, industrial clusters in Ranipet, Pernambut, Ambur and Vaniyambadi account for a significant share of leather production. These units contribute substantially to foreign exchange earnings and employ lakhs of workers.
Export performance
In the 2023–2024 financial year, India’s total leather and footwear exports stood at 4,687.75 million dollars. This increased to 4,828.97 million dollars in 2024–2025, reflecting steady demand across major international markets.
During 2025 (April to October), exports reached 2,879.30 million dollars, despite US tariffs coming into effect in August. While shipments of finished leather and footwear components declined in this period, exports of leather footwear, leather garments, leather goods, saddlery and harness, and non-leather footwear registered an increase.
Despite tariff-related challenges in the US market, leather goods exports recorded a growth of 0.4 per cent, indicating resilience in the sector.
Shipments of finished leather and footwear components declined in 2025, yet exports of leather footwear, leather garments, leather goods, saddlery and harness, and non-leather footwear registered an increase