In 2019, Italy imported 75.7 million kilograms of leather products and substitutes from China. The Asian giant was by far the leading supplier of leather to Italy. France, which came second in the list, only provided 7.4 million kilograms of such products. From January to October 2019, a total of 123.3 million kilograms of
leather products entered Italy, increasing by 0.7 percent compared to the same period the previous year.
Exports of leather products
Despite experiencing a contraction in the export volume, an increase in the average price per kilogram of leather products allowed the sector to register a growth of ten percent in the export value in 2019. In particular,
exports towards Switzerland reached a value of 3.2 billion euros in 2019, increasing by 37 percent compared to the previous year. This evidence confirmed the important role played by major luxury groups in the performance of the sector, for many of which Switzerland represents the logistical hub for their international operations.
Most popular leather products
A closer analysis of the exports of leather products from Italy can offer an insight in the most popular products. Small leather handbags were by far the most successful leather products in 2019, with an
export value that reached approximately 5.2 billion euros. In comparison, for example, exports of
leather briefcases and document holders reached a value of just 288 million euros.