As per latest available data, export of leather, leather products and footwear from India have grown from Rs.338947.08 million in April 2017 – February 2018 to Rs.365623.45 million in April 2018 – February 2019, thereby growing by 7.87% in Rupee Terms. During the current year, we have been able to achieve very good growth levels in exports in dollar terms to many countries including USA, Greece, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, UAE, Indonesia, Poland, Hungary, Nigeria, Kenya etc.,
The industry is aiming to further enhance the export growth during 2019-20 and achieve more than 9% to 10% growth. Looking at the global opportunities and market diversification, the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has planned a comprehensive and extensive marketing campaign involving more than 20 marketing events during 2019-20. These events will cover not only the traditional market of Europe, but USA (which is the largest market for India outside EU) and other potential markets like Latin American Countries, Russia, Australia, Japan etc., Besides, Reverse Buyer Seller Meets are also planned in Delhi and Kolkata so as to provide a platform to our exporters to meet overseas buyers in India itself.
CLE has also submitted proposals to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry seeking support for organizing Investment Promotion events in countries namely China, Taiwan, Vietnam, USA, South Korea, Spain & Portugal during 2019-20. We are also exploring Japan as a potential investor in Indian leather and footwear industry.
Considering Brexit, CLE has taken-up the request of having a Free Trade Agreement with UK, since UK is now our third largest market next only to USA and Germany. On the whole, the leather and footwear industry is looking forward to achieve more milestones and positive export growth during 2019-20.