Expectations are growing for ACLE Shanghai
Trade show dedicated to supplies for the leather industry (Sept. 3-5, 2025) discounts uncertainty but confirms its centrality
APLF ASEAN, Southeast Asia’s most focused B2B platform for leather, materials, and technology sourcing, heads to its third edition in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 13 – 15 November 2025. Following two successful editions in Bangkok, APLF ASEAN continues to build momentum as the region’s most business-oriented event for the manufacturing supply chain. Backed by decades of experience organizing international leather exhibitions in Hong Kong, APLF ASEAN is created with a purpose to connect international suppliers with Southeast Asia’s industrial sourcing network.
In a region where manufacturers heavily rely on imported materials and components to fuel exports in footwear, leather goods, and furniture, APLF ASEAN stands out by offering a curated, business-driven tradeshow experience. The event caters exclusively to manufacturers of footwear, leather goods, garment and furniture, with a unique exhibition format.
A Tradeshow Built Around the M.E.E.T. Concept
At the heart of APLF ASEAN is the M.E.E.T. concept, which defines the visitor and exhibitor journey:
* M – MATCHING: Business matchmaking between suppliers and qualified sourcing professionals, enabling direct and high-value B2B connections.
* E – EXPERIENCE: Dedicated zones to showcase leather trends and material innovations in a curated environment designed for interaction and discovery.
* E – EDUCATION: A platform for industry experts and innovators to share market insights and breakthroughs through seminars and technical sessions.
* T – TRADESHOW: A lean, focused event format delivering high-quality engagement tailored to industrial sourcing.
“Exhibitors and buyers deserve an enhanced sourcing experience in the region, and we hope APLF ASEAN can help provide that focused, high-return environment,” said Ms. Janice Lee, Director of APLF. “Our aim is to create an exhibition that fosters meaningful connections between suppliers and the right buyers, while also setting a new benchmark for leather and materials exhibitions in Vietnam.”
Leather Import Demand in Vietnam
On average, Vietnam imports over 500 million square feet of leather per year. This leather is imported from countries such as Italy, India, Brazil, and the US, with China as the principal supplier of components for footwear manufacture. Approximately 60% of the leather imported is dedicated to manufacturing footwear with leather uppers, with the balance being used to manufacture leather goods, accessories, bags and garments and the remainder used in the growing and emerging sectors of automotive and furniture upholstery.
A Strategic Platform for a Shifting Global Supply Chain
As global trade dynamics evolve and rising tariffs encourage supply diversification, Vietnam has solidified its position as a strategic manufacturing hub, especially for footwear, fashion accessories, bags, and furniture. According to forecasts, Vietnam’s leather market is projected to grow at 6–8% annually from 2024 to 2030.
With this momentum, APLF ASEAN provides international suppliers the ideal gateway to Southeast Asia. As a professionally curated, high-quality sourcing event, APLF ASEAN delivers what manufacturers in the region deserve: a new standard for the leather and material exhibition in Vietnam.
For more information, please email to [email protected].
