Lights but especially shadows for the tannery and accessories global

Tanning sector trend

The first part of 2025 closes with the confirmation of a slight overall increase (+1%) in the slaughter volumes of adult cattle in the monitored areas (EU, Americas, Oceania). The specific variation of the European area (-3%) is always negative, with rare exceptions at the level of individual countries (positive sign only in Ireland and Poland). Outside Europe, there is a contraction in the USA and a contraction in the USA and New Zealand, while Brazil and Australia show a positive trend (stable in Argentina).

A decidedly negative half-year for the slaughter of calves (-10% compared to 2024) at global level. Europe shows an overall decrease in line with the general variation and negative data in all major producer countries. The US appears to be in free fall, and only the ocean countries are showing positive trends.

The overall picture of sheep slaughtering is down by 5% in the first half of 2025, with some recovery trend in the European Union, but the general figure remains down (-5%) and all major producer countries show declines (double digit in France). Only positive sign in the UK and USA, negative sign in Australia and New Zealand.

Although there are still differentiated trends in the leather results of the main producer countries in the first half of the year, in general a negative sign continues to prevail and uncertainty does not seem to slow down. The average trend is slightly less suffering for small skins (bovine and ovine aprons) than for medium-large cows. Although the overall picture for the six-month period remains varied, ovicaprines recorded interesting quarterly increases in Italy, France and India.

Accessories and components sector

In the first half of 2025, compared to the same period of 2024, the six-month trend for accessories and components appears rather gloomy: the fall in Italian and German exports plunges the EU average (-5%), with all major EU producers falling outside of Romania. All sectors of the industry suffer, without exception.

In the second half of 2025, the difficulties of the sector persist, with the European average falling by 6% compared to 2024. Widespread and generalized losses are reported in all sectors of the sector, with no major exceptions.

Textiles and synthetics

In the first half of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 we find a reality made of lights and shadows. The slowdown of major European producers is a negative factor, despite the resilience of Italians and Portuguese. The trend of the segments reflects the overall performance, where declines in synthetic fibre fabrics are accompanied by a stagnant synthetic result.    Well, instead, the regenerated leather fibers, which appears to be on the rise.

Regarding the second semester, there is opacity for the sector despite the reduction of losses in Germany and Spain which, after the disappointing results of the first quarter of 2025, are confirmed to decline also in the second quarter of the year. Uneven the picture by compartments: good the trend of regenerated, discrete performance of synthetic, bad the fabrics of synthetic and artificial fibers.

Footwear sector

The half-yearly comparison shows mixed results for European footwear (-3%). The French and Italians are in trouble, while the Spaniards limit the damage. Difficulties for Turkey. Stable results for China and Mexico. New dynamism for the Brazilians. Rise for India and Vietnam.

The result of the EU footwear sector in the second quarter of the year is coloured red, with declines becoming more marked and widespread. Beyond the borders of Europe, Turkey and China are also suffering. Flat the trend of Brazilians and Mexicans.   Rise for Vietnam and India.

Leather goods sector

In the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, the cumulative partial confirms the signals from previous quarters, with all major EU producers of leather goods in deep red and even double-digit declines for Italians. Positive signs, however, for Turkish leather goods, which appears to be expanding, and Indian. Uncertainty for China and Pakistan, the latter in negative stability.

There is no peace in EU leather goods, which closes the second quarter of the year down 6% on the same period of 2024 and with heavy declines widespread in all major European countries. The extra-EU picture is also weak, with the exceptions of Turkey (+7%) and India (stable).