French leather is losing momentum. In the first nine months of 2025, the trade surplus fell from EUR 3.7 billion in 2024 to EUR 3.3 billion this year. The cause lies in the drop in exports (–3% to EUR 13.7 billion), while imports remained stable at EUR 10.4 billion. Exports were penalised by weaker demand from the United States and Asia. Here is a detailed look at the latest report from Alliance France Cuir.
French leather slows down
More specifically, exports of raw hides fell by 2%, while the report notes a widespread decline in slaughtering volumes (adult cattle: -2.8%; calves: -6.9%; sheep: -8.1%; goats: -2.9%). Imports were down 6%. As for finished leather, tannery revenues dropped by 11.1% in January–September 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Exports fell by 1%, while imports rose by 4%. In the footwear sector, production shrank by 10.8% and turnover by 6.5%. Exports registered a negative trend (–3%), while imports increased by 2%. Finally, the leather goods segment recorded a 3% rise in manufacturers’ turnover, despite exports falling by 3% and imports decreasing by 6%.
A slowdown in demand
According to Alliance France Cuir, international demand is weakening, particularly in Asia and the United States. Exports to Asia are down 7% (China and Hong Kong: -5%; Japan: -8%; Singapore: -27%; South Korea: -7%), and exports to the United States have fallen by 2%. Shipments to Europe, however, are up by 0.7%. Imports remain at last year’s levels, as the fall in European imports (-7%) has been offset by an increase in Asian imports (+7%). Europe’s share of French imports is declining in favour of Asia, which is gaining market share. This shift is accompanied by a reduction in average import prices for footwear and handbags, down 3% and 13% respectively.
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