IN NEWS: Tamil Nadu leads India’s leather production sector
Introduction
India’s leather industry is a key contributor to manufacturing, exports, and employment, with the country accounting for ~13% of global leather production. As per recent data, India is the 4th largest exporter of leather goods, 2nd in leather garments, and 3rd in saddlery & harness, highlighting its strong global positioning.
ANALYSIS
Top Leather Producing States in India
The leather industry is geographically concentrated in a few major states:
- Tamil Nadu
→ Largest producer (40%+ share)
→ Major hubs: Chennai, Ambur, Ranipet - West Bengal
→ Key tanning centre
→ Hub: Kolkata - Uttar Pradesh
→ Major hub: Kanpur (known as “Leather City of the World”)
→ Other centres: Agra, Noida - Maharashtra
→ Hub: Mumbai (leather goods production) - Punjab
→ Hub: Jalandhar
→ Accounts for 80%+ of state’s leather exports
Structure of Leather Industry
India’s leather sector is diversified into four major segments:
- Tanning
- Footwear
- Leather Garments
- Leather Accessories
👉 This indicates a complete value chain from raw hide processing to finished products.
Industrial & Economic Significance
- Major contributor to export earnings
- Strong presence in MSME sector
- Generates large-scale employment, especially for semi-skilled labour
- Important part of labour-intensive manufacturing sector
Regional Specialisation Pattern
- Tamil Nadu & West Bengal → Tanning & processing
- Uttar Pradesh → Large-scale manufacturing (Kanpur cluster)
- Punjab → Footwear & export-oriented production
👉 Reflects cluster-based industrial development.
Challenges in Leather Sector
- Environmental concerns (pollution from tanning units)
- Need for sustainable processing technologies
- Competition from global producers
- Compliance with international quality & ESG standards
Strategic Importance
- Supports Make in India and export diversification
- Boosts labour-intensive manufacturing
- Enhances India’s role in global value chains
STATIC PART
Leather Industry in India (Overview)
- India accounts for ~13% of global leather production
- Major global rankings:
- 4th in leather goods exports
- 2nd in leather garments
- 3rd in saddlery & harness
Updated – 10 September 2025 ; 7:19 PM | News Source: CNBC TV18