The global leather market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological innovations and a greater focus on sustainability.
In 2025, projections indicate that the sector will continue to evolve, especially in the luxury and automotive segments. Therefore, in order to remain competitive, companies need to adapt to new global demands, guaranteeing quality and innovation.
Growth of the Global Leather Market
The leather industry is worth billions of dollars globally, thanks to its wide application, durability and sophistication. These attributes increase its value and guarantee a heated international market, supplied by the main exporting countries.
According to the Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX), China was the main destination for Brazilian leather in 2024, absorbing around a third of exports. The country recorded significant growth in both volume and value, consolidating its position as the largest buyer.
In total, Brazil exported US$ 1.26 billion in hides and skins over the course of the year, an increase of 12.5% compared to 2023. This growth was mainly driven by Chinese demand, which accounted for 32% of the total value and 43.4% of the area exported.
General Export Analysis
The volume exported in 2024 totaled 194.5 million square meters (+22.3%) and 597.7 thousand tons (+38.8%). However, in December, there was a 16.7% drop compared to November, with exports totaling 90.5 million dollars.
Main destinations
- China (including Hong Kong): the main market, accounting for 33.8% of the total value, up 26.9%.
- United States: second largest destination, but with a 6.5% drop in the value exported.
- Italy: third place, with growth of 5.7%.
- Vietnam: the highlight of the year, with an increase of +69.8% in value and +71.3% in area exported.
Exports by Type of Leather
- Wet Blue (semi-finished leather): 29.5% of the total value, up 31.1%.
- WB shavings: 11.5% of the value, an increase of 39.4%.
- Crust: lower growth of 4.2%, with a share of 11.4%.
- Finished Leather: the main category, with a 45.6% share, but a drop of -0.9% in the value exported.
- Salted Skins: doubled in value and tripled in weight exported.
Exports by state
- Rio Grande do Sul leads the way with 26.6% of the total value and 24.3% of the area exported.
- Paraná and São Paulo continue to be the main exporters.
- Mato Grosso do Sul (+58.6%), Minas Gerais (+59.7%) and Bahia (+45.1%) had the biggest increases.
- Ceará (-11.5%), Santa Catarina (-10.8%) and Paraná (-1.7%) fell.
Companies' competitiveness depends on innovation, quality and adapting to the demands of the B2B sector.
Trends for 2025
Sustainability and Innovation in the Leather Sector
Sustainability has become essential for the industry. Vegetable tanning is gaining ground as an alternative to chemical processes. For this reason, companies are investing more and more in traceability and transparency to meet growing environmental awareness.
The Role of Prices and Market Dynamics
The price of leather depends on supply, demand and production costs. In 2024, economic instability affected the sector, but automotive demand helped stabilize prices.
However, reports indicate that leather remains essential for premium vehicles, valued for its superior quality over synthetics.
Changes in Consumer Behavior
Consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly alternatives, making traceable leather a differentiator. Therefore, responsible brands tend to stand out in this scenario.
Projections for 2025 and the Evolution of the Global Leather Market
In 2025, the leather market will continue to expand, driven by digitalization and the development of innovative materials with less environmental impact. The luxury segment will continue to play a key role, while social and environmental responsibility will become even more important for companies in the sector.
Those who invest in technological innovation will be better placed to ensure their competitiveness in the global market.
The Automotive Leather Market
The automotive sector represents one of the largest areas of application for leather, especially in premium vehicles.
In addition, the use of leather in electric vehicle upholstery has driven this growth, as consumers increasingly seek refined finishes for their car interiors. But what will stand out in the sector?
- Responsible Leather Sourcing
The use of by-products from the food industry and tanning processes that minimize waste and emissions are becoming increasingly common.
- Technological Advances in Leather Treatment
New technologies improve the durability and resistance of the material. Treatments that protect against stains, UV rays and ageing ensure that upholstery retains its appearance for longer, reducing the need for maintenance.
- Personalization and exclusivity
The demand for personalization is growing as consumers look for interiors that reflect their style. Varied options of colors, textures and customized finishes allow each vehicle to have an exclusive design, catering to different customer profiles.
- Integration with Digital Technologies
With the digitalization of vehicles, leather needs to adapt to accommodate touchscreens, sensors and other devices without compromising sophisticated design. Manufacturers are investing in materials that combine functionality and aesthetics.
- Leather Recycling and Reuse
Concern about the material's life cycle has led to the adoption of reuse practices. Leather from old vehicles is being recycled and reintegrated into the industry, helping to reduce waste and promoting a more circular approach.
- Partnerships for Innovation
Collaborations between carmakers, leather suppliers and technology companies are driving new solutions. These alliances result in interiors that combine sophistication, comfort and innovation, elevating the user experience.
Why Invest in Durli Leathers in 2025?
High Performance Quality and Durability
Durli Leathers is recognized for responsibly producing Durli Leathers of exceptional resistance, ideal for demanding sectors such as the automotive, furniture and footwear industries.
Each part is carefully produced to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining high durability and excellent performance.
This makes Durli Leathers a reliable choice for those looking for materials with proven longevity, process consistency and regular supply.
Variety of Products for Different Segments
Durli Leathers offers a wide range of products, with options of leather with or without termites, from various origins besides Brazil, such as North American, Mexican, Uruguayan and Paraguayan, with chrome or vegetable tanning, as well as the Wet Blue, Semi-finished and Finished stages.
This flexibility makes it possible to meet different needs, from coatings for utilitarian products to the most sophisticated, such as those used in luxury furniture or automotive interiors.
The company ensures that its clients always find the ideal solution for their projects.
Read more: Why Choose Natural Leather for Furniture, Cars and Shoes
Commitment to Sustainability
Durli Leathers adopts sustainable practices at all stages of production, from the responsible use of natural resources to the LWG Gold certification of all its units.
A product traceability guarantees that each piece of leather is free from deforestation, promoting an environmentally friendly production cycle.
The company also invests in cutting-edge technologies, such as multi-action sootblowers, radio frequency dryers and TAIC, which help to reduce water and energy consumption.
In addition to chrome tanning, Durli Leathers produces Bio-Leather from vegetable tanning agents and natural compounds, eliminating harmful metals. The product degrades in 6 months to 2 years, much faster than traditional leather.
Approved by the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), it meets the demand for ecological solutions in the automotive, furniture and footwear sectors.
Constant Innovation
Always at the forefront of innovation, Durli Leathers continually invests in technologies to improve production processes and guarantee the delivery of excellent products.
From tanning to finishing, each stage is carefully planned to ensure maximum quality and efficiency.
Specialized Support and Personalized Service
Durli Leathers ' highly specialized technical and commercial team offers continuous support to its customers. After all, the company is dedicated to helping them overcome challenges and adapt quickly to market changes, guaranteeing a strategic and personalized partnership experience.
Reliable delivery
Durli Leathers is committed to delivering its products on time, maintaining consistency in the supply of high-quality leather in scheduled deliveries.
With a production capacity of more than 8 million skins a year and a presence in demanding markets in Asia, Europe and the United States, Durli Leathers is a reliable and solid supplier.
Final considerations
In short, the global leather market is constantly evolving. Sustainability, innovation and changes in consumer behavior are the main factors shaping the future of the sector.
That's why companies like Durli Leathers, which follow these trends, ensure their relevance on the international stage.
Therefore, choosing Durli Leathers means investing in versatile materials, with a distinctive finish and in line with the demands of the modern market.
With a diverse portfolio, rigorous production processes and an unwavering commitment to quality, it is the ideal partner to meet the needs of the global market in 2025 and beyond.
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