IILF Chennai hits its exhibition space record

The 38th edition of the India International Leather Fair (lILF), the international stage dedicated to innovation, sustainability and global collaborations in the leather sector organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in association with the Council of Leather Exports (CLE), was held at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, from 1 to 3 February.

IILF Chennai 2025 celebrated an all-time high in net exhibition area of 11,473 square metres, a remarkable 20 per cent increase over the previous edition, spanning the ground floors of the newly constructed Halls 1-4. 392 exhibitors took part, including 61 foreign participants from 19 countries: Brazil, China, Dubai, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The country groups came in particular from Brazil, France, Germany and Italy.

Thanks to the internationality of the companies present and the level of the exhibition, IILF was once again confirmed as India’s most important platform for the leather industry, with cutting-edge technologies, new sustainable solutions and in line with fashion trends.

India’s leather, leather products and footwear industry occupies a prominent place in the country’s economy, and its exports are among India’s top ten foreign exchange earners. The export of footwear, leather and leather products from India amounted to USD 4.69 billion in 2023-24. The industry is rich in raw materials, as India has 20% of the world’s cattle and buffalo population and 11% of the world’s goat and sheep population. Added to this are the strengths of skilled labour, innovative technology, the industry’s increasing compliance with international environmental standards and the dedicated support of related industries.