The Leather Craze Returns: Canada’s leather imports growing, exports declining

21 Sep The Leather Craze Returns: Canada’s leather imports growing, exports declining

Leather recently emerged as a popular trend observed by major fashion houses such as Balmain and Yves Saint Laurent at the 2018 Paris Fashion Week for the fall/winter lineup[1]. According to Canadian import statistics, the import volume of leather products grew by a whopping 33% in just four years (2013-2017),[2] while exports have declined by 18% in just two years (2015-2017)[3]. This indicates an increase in demand within the Canadian market. Popular products imported include: leather handbags, clothing, gloves, and sporting goods.

The top 6 contributors of leather products in Canada in 2017 include: China, Vietnam, Italy, US, Cambodia, Indonesia[4]. Although China boasts the highest import volume, countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia have been making impressive gains in recent years. This presents strong opportunities for exporters from other countries to enter the market as well.

While Italy is the leading luxury leather goods importer, China (and other countries from the Asian continent) benefit from being the low-cost alternative with both their genuine and faux leather options.  If you are an oversees or local supplier interested in entering the Canadian market or expanding their business, please read more about potential opportunities

[1] https://www.cbc.ca/life/style/iridescent-everything-luscious-leather-and-more-style-trends-from-paris-fashion-week-fall-winter-2018-1.4566094

[2] https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/scr/tdst/tdo/crtr.html?lang=eng&hSelectedCodes=316&searchType=BL&productType=NAICS&currency=CDN&runReport=true&grouped=GROUPED&toFromCountry=CDN&naArea=9999&timePeriod=5%7CComplete%2BYears&reportType=TI&countryList=ALL

[3] https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/scr/tdst/tdo/crtr.html?lang=eng&hSelectedCodes=316&searchType=BL&productType=NAICS&currency=CDN&runReport=true&grouped=GROUPED&toFromCountry=CDN&naArea=9999&timePeriod=5%7CComplete%2BYears&reportType=TE&countryList=ALL

[4]

https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/scr/tdst/tdo/crtr.html?timePeriod=%7CCustom+Years&reportType=T

I&hSelectedCodes=%7C316&searchType=BL&customYears=2017&productType=NAICS&currency=CDN&countryList=TOP&runReport=true&grouped=GROUPED&toFromCountry=CDN&naArea=9999