Tanneries comparison in 2025: Portugal races ahead, Mexico falls behind. The former has experienced significant export growth, while the latter (especially in the state of Guanajuato) is experiencing a decline due to competition from alternative materials and a reduction in orders from the automotive sector. Two sides of an industry that must reinvent itself to survive.
Portugal is racing ahead
Portuguese tanneries recorded a 5.8% increase in exports through September 2025, reaching a total value of €81 million. The main markets remain Spain, Italy, and France, with varying performances, such as a 4.6% decline in exports to Madrid, 8.7% growth in exports to Rome, and a 31.2% jump in exports to Paris. According to the APICCAPS’ research department, “this performance reflects the recovery of external demand and ongoing efforts to modernize production and adapt to global quality and sustainability requirements”. The sector has nevertheless managed to maintain high standards and comply with European regulations, strengthening its image of reliability.
But the strategy isn’t limited to exports: APICCAPS has launched campaigns to promote leather as a durable and noble raw material, emphasizing that it is a by-product of the food industry. As President Luís Onofre reiterated, “leather is undoubtedly the best raw material on the market”. At the same time, projects such as BioShoes4All aim to make tanning and preparation processes more sustainable, confirming the desire of a sector that doesn’t want to remain anchored in the past, but rather look to the future.
Guanajuato suffers
In Mexico, however, the situation is the opposite. In Guanajuato, leather production fell by 30% compared to 2024. Vicente Lahud Martínez, president of CICUR, admits: “It has been a difficult year for our companies and, due to a serious crisis in orders, we have had to reduce production. I estimate that we are about 30% down on last year”. As reported in the local press, the automotive sector has not provided the expected support, while negative environmental perceptions and the advance of alternative materials have further reduced demand. The crisis weighs more heavily on large, organized companies, while the informal economy, made up of micro and small businesses, which accounts for over half of Mexico’s economy, continues to withstand the shock. CICUR (Cámara de la Industria de Curtiduría del Estado de Guanajuato) has 130 affiliated companies, responsible for 80% of the country’s production.
Photo from APICCAPS
Read also:
