Production of tanned leather in Italy 2018, by end-use

In 2018, 38.4 percent of the production of the leather tanning industry in Italy was intended for footwear. Moreover, 13.8 percent of the production of the industry was intended for upholstered furniture. Production of leather for footwear in 2018 decreased by almost five percent compared to the previous year. On the other hand, despite accounting for only 15 percent of the total production, leather destined for the automotive sector increased dramatically (+18 percent).

Leather tanning in Italy

The Italian leather tanning industry is historically considered a world leader, both in terms of value and level of internationalization. With an annual production value of approximately 5 billion euros in 2018, the industry is believed to be an example of the successful implementation of an expansion strategy that combines craftmanship and technological innovation. In that same year, approximately 75 percent of the leather produced in Italy was destined to be exported, which in absolute terms means 3.6 billion euros worth of exports.

The cluster-model

The Italian leather tanning industry represents a good example of the industrial cluster model that has traditionally characterized part of the national manufacturing economy. In fact, more than 90 percent of the 1,201 companies active in the leather tanning industry can be found in three production areas located in the regions of Tuscany, Veneto and Campania.