Having increased by 25 per cent Y-o-Y to $5.7 billion in 2024-25, India’s leather, non-leather footwear and products' exports are expected to rise to over $6.5 billion in FY26, as per the exporters' body, Council for Leather Exports (CLE). According to CLE, the sector is witnessing a healthy demand in both developed and developing countries.

In 2024-25, India’s leather and non-leather footwear and products exports exceeded their $1 billion target set up by the Department of Commerce. These exports are expected to further rise to over $6.5 billion in 2025-26, notes R Selvam, Executive Director, CLE.

The 10 per cent hike in tariffs has led to exporters offering discounts to buyers, avers Jalan. They have also recommended a ‘'zero-for-zero' duty to the government in the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the US, he adds.

The Council has a full order book for the coming months with a huge demand coming from the US and the UK, Jalan states.

Having a total turnover of $19 billion, the industry employs around 42 lakh people. It has the potential to reach a total turnover of about $39 billion by 2030, including domestic production of $25 billion and export turnover of $13.7 billion, as per industry experts.

These experts further reveal, several Chinese investors plan to set up production units in India in collaboration with Indian footwear players.