KOLKATA, Oct 25: The government’s recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with several European nations, Japan and the UAE would boost exports of leather goods and help sustain the sector on a firm footing, notwithstanding the US tariff war on India, an industry body has said.
The Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA), however, said the additional tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on Indian goods could affect shipment of around 5-8 per cent of finished products.
“With the Indian leather export market projected to cross USD 6 billion in 2025-26, ILPA members are expected to contribute a significant share of high-quality leather products. The association foresees thousands of new employment opportunities across manufacturing, design, retail, and export sectors, fuelled by strong demand at both domestic and international levels,” an ILPA statement said.
Speaking at the curtain raiser for ILPA’s first fashion show-cum-exhibition for the buyers on October 29 and 30, the organisation’s President Arjun Mukund Kulkarni said the leather on the ramp is not just a fashion event, it’s a statement of India’s evolving leather story.
The ILPA will to highlight the international B2B fair, in which over 60 international
buyers from leading global brands will take part in the two-day programme, a day ahead of the Canton leather show in China.
The fashion show will showcase innovative designs, sustainable fashion, and the use of new-age materials such as textiles and rattan.
Renowned designer Tejas Gandhi will present his latest creations on the ramp, while nine premium exporters from Kolkata, the hub of India’s leather goods industry, will display their exclusive collections.
ILPA president Arjun Mukund Kulkarni said the leather on the ramp is not just a fashion event, it’s a statement of India’s evolving leather story.
“Over the last few years, our members have doubled exports to major markets in Europe and North America, while investing heavily in eco-friendly manufacturing and design innovation,” he continued.
This year, the IPLA aims to highlight how sustainability and style can go hand in hand in India’s leather sector.
“Through our new training initiatives and international partnerships, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and technology needed to make India a preferred sourcing destination for premium leather goods worldwide,” Kulkarni said.
The IPLA also launched new skill development and vocational training programmes to upskill youth and strengthen the leather sector workforce.
The association has entered into collaborations with both domestic and global institutions to promote technology transfer, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Representing more than 200 manufacturers, exporters, and industry stakeholders, ILPA continues to play a vital role as one of India’s largest leather trade bodies.
With the Indian leather export market projected to cross USD 6 billion in 2025-26, ILPA members are expected to contribute a significant share of high-quality leather products. The association foresees thousands of new employment opportunities across manufacturing, design, retail, and export sectors, fuelled by strong demand in both
domestic and international levels.
“Leather on the Ramp 2025 aims to reinforce ILPA’s vision of making the show a global brand through international collaborations, high-profile marketing and cutting-edge design showcases. The upcoming event is set to be a grand celebration of India’s craftsmanship and innovation, while strengthening the country’s leather industry on the global stage.” IPLA fashion show committee chairman Akash Nayyar said.
The IPLA, a leading trade body representing the leather industry in India, headquartered in Kolkata, with regional offices in key leather clusters, also praised
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, for her untiring efforts for the promotion of leather products for domestic markets, which are getting a huge response from buyers in the Indian markets. (UNI)
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