The European Union leather apparel market is projected to see a modest upward trend in consumption over the next decade, driven largely by rising demand within the region. Market performance is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.4% between 2024 and 2035, bringing total consumption volume to 25 million units by the end of the period. In value terms, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.2%, reaching an estimated US $ 1.8 billion in nominal wholesale prices by 2035.
Italy remains the largest consumer of leather apparel in the EU, with 8.2 million units in 2024, accounting for around 38% of total volume. This figure is more than double that of Germany, the second-largest consumer at 3.6 million units. Spain ranks third with 2.2 million units, holding a 10% market share.
In terms of value, Italy led the market with US $ 487 million, followed by Germany at US $ 178 million and the Netherlands in third place.
Germany and Spain emerged as the main importers of leather or composition leather apparel in 2024, bringing in 4.7 million units and 3.2 million units, respectively, representing 28% and 19% of total imports. Italy followed with 1.8 million units, or 11% of total imports. France accounted for 9.2%, the Netherlands 7.6%, and Poland 6.3%, while Austria imported 723,000 units, representing a relatively small share.
By value, Germany topped the list of importers at US $ 318 million, alongside France at US $ 228 million and Italy at US $ 210 million. Together, these three markets accounted for 55% of total EU leather apparel imports. The Netherlands, Spain, Poland and Austria made up a further 30%.
