Leather and Leather Products

“Impressive texture, feel the power of leather”

Leather industry is a major sector with potential in the economy of Bangladesh. At present there are more than 200 tanneries in Bangladesh and the leather that is produced or processed from there is of very high quality. From the leather industry, Bangladesh receives a lot of foreign exchange every year. In terms of earning foreign exchange, the leather industry was in fourth position in the financial year 2020-21.

Bangladesh produces various types of leather and leather goods; such as shoes, bags, belts, parts, wallets, travel kits, footwear, jackets, three quarters, scud, long coat, prayer mat, waist leather, finished leather etc.

Analysts are vociferous about the potential of the leather industry in Bangladesh.  Leather quality, cheap labor, easy availability of raw materials and other comparative advantages point to the potential of this industry.  Analysts believe that the leather of Bangladesh is the best in the world in terms of quality after the French cuff. Such smooth grain leather is unmatched anywhere else in the world.  As a result, the demand for leather products made in Bangladesh is also increasing day by day in the world market.

Bangladesh’s leather export market is growing at a rate of 10 to 15% per annum and stands at an average of $30 million annually.  Along with tanned leather from Bangladesh, shoes, travel bags, belts, wallets, jackets, etc. are being exported abroad.  Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s smooth leather and leather products are of particular interest in Japan and Western European countries. Puma, Pavilions, Hugo boss, the world famous company’s procurement of leather or raw material from Bangladesh is proof of this interest.

Bangladesh’s shoe and bag manufacturing capacity is increasing. That’s why global brands Nike, Adidas, Timberland, Shias, Dutchman, and Genesco etc. have started buying shoes from Bangladesh.

The major markets of leather and leather products of Bangladesh are Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Netherland, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, United States and Canada. Recently markets have developed in Japan, India, Nepal and Australia, as a result of which great potential has been created for this industry. Foreign entrepreneurs are already interested in investing in Bangladesh due to the government’s provision of a 15% subsidy on the export of leather products.