India’s Leather Industry: Making Shoes, Bags and More

Let us see India’s leather industry below in detailed.

India’s leather industry is big and busy. People turn animal skins into shoes, bags, and jackets. These things sell in India and to other countries. The industry earns about $5.7 billion every year. It gives jobs to more than 4 million people. Many women in villages work here. India has many cows and goats, so it can make a lot of leather.

First, workers take animal skins and make cool things like shoes, bags, jackets, and belts. Next, these products sell in India and also many other countries. For example, last year in 2024-25, India sold $5.7 billion worth of leather goods to places far away. In fact, that is a big jump of 25% from the year before. Moreover, shoes make up about half of these sales—around 40% to 51%. Then, jackets and bags come next.

Specifically, the United States and United Kingdom buy the most from India. Additionally, the industry gives jobs to over 4.4 million people. For instance, many of these are women working in villages. Besides, India has lots of cows, goats, and sheep—20% of the world’s cattle and buffalo. As a result, this means plenty of skins to use. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu makes more than half of all leather. Finally, the goal is to sell $6.5 billion next year. Also, people buy 2.6 billion pairs of shoes in India each year too. Therefore, this shows how strong and growing the leather work is in our country.

Big Export Sales

India sells a lot of leather goods to other countries. Last year, sales grew by 25% and reached $5.7 billion. India wants to sell even more soon. Shoes sell the most. The United States and the United Kingdom buy the most from India.

• Shoes and shoe parts make up 40% of exports.
• Jackets, gloves, and belts make 31%.
• Bags and wallets are popular too.
• Finished leather goes to big brands.
• Horse riding gear makes some money.

India sells a lot of leather goods to other countries. Last year, sales grew by 25% and reached $5.7 billion. India wants to sell even more soon. Shoes sell the most. The United States and the United Kingdom buy the most from India.

Main Places for Leather Work

Tamil Nadu makes more than half of India’s leather products. Places like Chennai are busy with leather factories. Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh is making a big new leather park. Cities like Kolkata, Agra, and Jalandhar also make shoes. Every year, they handle 3 billion square feet of leather.

• Traditional skills mix with new clean methods.
• The government helps by building new factories.
• Families teach leather skills to their children

Why India is Good at Leather

India has many animals to get skins from. Workers make strong and good quality leather from cows, goats, and sheep. They use green and safe ways to make leather. They send leather goods to many countries. Indians buy lots of shoes too—over 2.6 billion pairs every year.

• There is never a shortage of skins.
• Workers make good quality leather for less money.
• Women in villages help make bags and other goods.
• New fake leather and eco-friendly leather are growing.

Problems the Industry Faces

Exports went down by 10% last year because some countries bought less. It’s hard to get enough good skins because of new rules. Old leather factories make dirty water and face problems. Cheaper leather goods from China and Vietnam bring tough competition. Some workers move to cities, leaving villages empty.

• Prices go up quickly.
• Other countries sell cheaper products.
• Groups are working on cleaner factories.
• Government gives money to build new leather parks.​

What’s Coming Next?

Online shops are selling many leather goods today. Big global companies trust India for good prices and quality. New trade deals help India sell to more countries. More people want leather that is good for animals and the planet.

• New big leather parks will add space to make more.
• New machines and computers will help workers.
• Many young people will learn leather skills.
• India hopes to grow its leather sales a lot by 2033.

Jobs and Money in the Industry

The leather industry brings about $5 billion every year from other countries. It gives jobs to millions in leather making, farming, and transportation. Women work in the industry a lot—30% of the workers. The industry helps give money and jobs to many people in India.

• Villages make money by selling animal skins.
• New factories get tax breaks, which helps them grow.
• Big shoe and bag companies buy leather from India.
• This helps India grow and develop.​

India’s leather industry started long ago with skilled hands in small villages. Today, it mixes old ways with new ideas. Exports hit $5.7 billion and keep climbing. Jobs help millions, especially women. Places like Tamil Nadu and Kanpur lead the way. Workers fix problems like dirty water and competition by using clean methods and new tech. Online sales and green leather bring more buyers. Government builds big parks and trains youth. Soon, sales may top $6.5 billion. This means more money for India. Villages get cash from selling skins. Big brands pick Indian leather for quality and low cost. People around the world wear Indian shoes and carry Indian bags. The industry makes India strong. It shows hard work pays off. Kids can learn these skills too. The future looks happy and full of growth. India’s leather story inspires everyone. Keep making great things.

Conclusion

India’s leather industry makes a big difference. It makes jobs and good products. People all over the world buy leather made in India. When you wear shoes or carry a bag from India, remember the many hands that made it. The future looks very bright for leather in India. It gives millions of jobs and sells products worldwide. Workers use skills from long ago and new tools today. Sales grow fast, and the future looks bright with more parks and training. Young people can join and help our country shine even more.