PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1722576
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1722576
The global leather chemicals market size reached USD 9.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 15.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by the increasing demand from the automotive, footwear, fashion, and furniture industries, rapid advancements in leather processing technologies, and a growing preference for sustainable and eco-friendly leather products, leading to a robust market expansion with diverse applications across various sectors.
Increasing Product Demand in the Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is one of the largest consumers of leather chemicals, which is one of the main drivers that is boosting the market growth. Leather is a preferred material for car interiors because of its durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. The automotive industry is expanding continuously, particularly in emerging economies, which is creating the demand for high-quality leather interiors. China exported 2.1 million vehicles between January and September 2022, a hike of 55% compared with 2021. Also, 85.4 million motor vehicles were produced around the world in the same year, which is an increase of 5.7% compared to 2021. This trend is supported by a rising middle class and higher disposable incomes, leading to greater car ownership and a move towards premium vehicle features. Leather chemicals play an important role in the production process to make sure that the leather used in vehicles meets stringent quality and performance standards. They are essential in tanning, dyeing, and finishing processes to better the durability, appearance, and feel of automotive leather.
Growth in the Footwear Industry
The leather chemical market is largely motivated by the footwear sector owing to the high quality, comfort, and durability, its offers in making shoes. It is anticipated that the footwear industry will expand quickly, reaching US$ 332.3 billion by 2032. As customer tastes and fashion trends change in favor of attractive and long-lasting footwear, there is an increasing need for leather and leather chemicals. A variety of leather chemicals are used in this industry for tanning, dyeing, and finishing procedures to make shoes that live up to consumer standards for style and quality. In addition, sports and outdoor activities are becoming more and more popular, which has increased demand for specialty footwear that uses leather because of its superior performance characteristics. This has created a demand for products that give performance-enhancing qualities in this industry. In 2022, a report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), a US-based industry association, found that 237 million US citizens took part in at least one sport, marking a 9.2% increase from 2017 and a 1.9% rise from 2021. This data has highlighted the need for sports shoes that use leather as a key material to better the shoe's performance.
Expansion of the Fashion and Apparel Industry
Leather and leather chemicals are used in the fashion and apparel industry. Leather garments, accessories, and bags are highly sought after for their premium quality, durability, and luxurious appeal. The rising disposable incomes and changing fashion trends, are majorly contributing to the demand for this product. The European household income per capita increased by 2.6 % between 2013 and 2021. Along with Europe, India's per capita disposable income grew by 8% in FY24 and 13.3% in FY23. This hike has created a demand for high-quality and premium leather items. High-end fashion brands and designers are consistently seeking innovative leather treatments and finishes to create unique and attractive products. This demand for novelty and exclusivity drives the need for advanced leather chemicals that offer diverse finishes, colors, and textures.
Tanning and dyeing chemicals accounts for the majority of the market share
As per the leather chemical market trends and analysis, the tanning and dyeing chemicals segment represented the largest market share as they are essential in transforming raw hides into durable and flexible leather. Tanning chemicals, including chrome, vegetable, and synthetic tanning agents, provide leather with resistance to decomposition and enhance its physical properties. Dyeing chemicals, on the other hand, impart desired colors and aesthetic finishes to leather products, making them appealing for various applications such as automotive interiors, footwear, fashion, and furniture. Moreover, the growing demand for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and durable leather, boosting the need for advancements in chemical formulations that offer improved performance and environmental sustainability, is fostering the leather chemicals market share.
Polyurethane resins hold the largest share of the industry
Based on the leather chemicals market forecast and outlook, polyurethane resins accounted for the largest market share. They are widely used in the leather industry due to their exceptional properties, such as high flexibility, abrasion resistance, and excellent adhesion. These resins are crucial in producing synthetic leather, providing a durable and versatile alternative to natural leather. Moreover, their growing application in various industries, including automotive, footwear, fashion, and furniture, for coatings, finishes, and adhesives to enhance the performance and appearance of leather products is bolstering the leather chemicals market growth.
Footwear represents the leading market segment
According to the leather chemicals market report and overview, the footwear segment accounted for the largest market share as they extensively utilize leather chemicals in various processes, including tanning, dyeing, and finishing, to produce high-quality leather shoes. Along with this, the growing demand for leather footwear, driven by rising disposable incomes, fashion trends, and the popularity of sports and outdoor activities, is positively impacting the demand for leather chemicals. They enhance the aesthetic appeal and functional properties of footwear, making them more resistant to wear and tear while ensuring a premium look and feel.
Asia Pacific leads the market, accounting for the largest leather chemicals market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific represents the largest regional market for leather chemicals.
Asia Pacific represented the largest market for the leather chemicals industry due to its robust leather manufacturing industry. Moreover, the presence of major producers and exporters of leather products, including footwear, garments, and accessories, which require extensive use of leather chemicals, is fueling the market growth. Besides this, the growth of the automotive and furniture industries in the region, propelling the demand for high-quality leather, is boosting the leather chemicals market revenue. Additionally, the increasing urbanization and rising disposable incomes in the region that contribute to the growing consumer demand for leather products are driving the market growth.
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)