Overview Of Leather Industry In India

The Indian leather industry plays a significant role in consolidating the economy of the country. Over the years an increased emphasis has been laid on planned development of the industry, so that the available resources are utilised to the fullest. The objective is also to gain maximum returns from exports. It has been found that during the past two decades, the leather industry has been augmenting with impetus. If the recent past developments are to be seen, the future of Leather Industry in India is very bright.

Developments in Leather Industry in India

The government of India has been making major policy changes since 1973 and which has resulted in massive growth in the leather industry. Since 1991, the government has also been formulating liberalised economic and trade policies, which has made India a winner in global leather trade. Some developments made are:

• Growth in leather exports from Rs.320 million in the year 1965-66 to Rs.69558 million in 1996-97
• The leather industry is not only characterised by mere exporter of raw materials which it used to be in the 60s but it has evolved as a value-added finished products supplier since 90s
• The leather industry is counted amongst seven foreign exchange earners in India

Structure of Indian Leather Industry

The Indian Leather Industry is divided into various segments:

• tanning & finishing
• footwear & footwear components
• leather garments
• leather goods such as bags, saddlery, harness etc

Raw Material Supply

• India has 194 million cattle, 70 million buffaloes, and 95 million goats.
• The goat/calf/sheep skin aid in making special products.

Indian Leather Goods Industry

• The various items made from leather in India are bags, handbags, purses, wallets, hand gloves, industrial gloves, upholstery, ruck sacks, brief cases, upholstery, belts, folios and saddlery goods.
• In regions like Chennai, Kolkata, Kanpur etc. there are many modern units equipped with sophisticated machinery where international standard leather goods including bags are produced.
• The leather goods from India are sent to Europe, USA and Australia.
• Germany is also one of the major leather goods markets of India.

There is a pool of skilled people in India engaged in tanning, finishing and manufacturing leather products like bags, purses, wallets, belts etc. The labour wages are also very low in India in comparison to other countries and this also makes India the favourite of many leather goods importers. There are many Leather Bags Exporters situated in Delhi, capital of India and an importer can place bulk order for leather bags. The bags are shipped to the client importer within stipulated time and excellent quality is also ensured.