The UK leather industry is comprised of specialist, high end producers of automotive, upholstery, shoe upper and sole, gloving, chamois, equestrian leather and wet blue leather.
2018 was a difficult year for the global leather industry and the UK was no exception. Overall, total exports, including raw hides & skins, part-processed and finished leather, were down 14.9% in value and 11.9% in volume, compared to 2017. The large part of this was due to the fall in the value of raw material exports, which fell by 21.9%. This compares with the volume of raw material exports, which fell by 12.8%. The contrasting falls in value compared to volume, clearly indicate the steep downward trend in global raw material prices through 2018. Read more... UK Leather Industry in 2018
