Indian leather industry eyes expansion in Russian, African markets

28-Aug-2025

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A steep 50% tariff imposed by the US on key Indian leather and footwear exports has raised alarm within the domestic industry, with concerns that up to 90% of trade could be impacted, according to R K Jalan, National Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports.

Speaking at a Council for Leather Exports meeting in Kanpur on August 26, Jalan said exporters are already under pressure from global buyers demanding price cuts of 20-25%. “Tapping into new markets is never a quick process,” he noted, adding that the long-standing presence of Indian leather products in the US makes the sudden tariff particularly disruptive.

Council for Leather Exports has resolved to send trade delegations to Russia and African nations to scout for fresh opportunities. Jalan stressed that shifting markets is not easy, citing variations in shoe sizes, consumer preferences and design trends.

“Locating alternative markets on short notice is tough because shoe sizes, design preferences, and consumer trends vary widely between regions. We hope this tariff is temporary and that the government will extend a support package of 20-25%,” he added.