A report by Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic led to 77.94 per cent decline in exports of leather products and footwear in the country. As per the Export Promotion Bureau stats overall export earnings from leather products and leather footwear declined by 6.59 per cent, 21.72 per cent and 79.30 per cent during February, March, and April respectively.

Over four months from January to April, export earnings from leather products and leather footwear declined by 19.26 per cent to $200.43 million in 2020. Exports of leather footwear declined by 22.10 per cent to $128.82 million while those of leather products declined by 15.59 per cent to $82.87 million.

Comparing April alone, overall export earnings from leather products and leather footwear in April 2020 dipped by 79.70 per cent over April 2019. Leather products fell by 82.47 per cent whereas leather footwear fell by 77.94 per cent.

This unprecedented export fall is due to most retailers, chain stores and shops remaining closed in major export markets as in EU countries: Germany, Italy, France, and etc.; the US and Japan. In these markets, demand for footwear and leather goods has almost dwindled to zero. Reportedly, sales for this year's spring season are as much as 70 per cent lower than last year.