China is once again the focal point of the leather industry, with the opening today of the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) at Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The event, China's most international fair for the leather industry, is currently running alongside with the finished products fairs China International Footwear Fair (CIFF) and Moda Shanghai, until 03 September.
The industry is recovering well from the economic crisis and China is leading the way, thanks mostly to The Chinese Consumer whose spending power has considerably increased. After having experienced a downturn, the upturn is equally sharp and the industry is posting good results.
According to Zhang Shu Hua, President of the China Leather Industry Association, the overall production of leather products in China increased by 25 percent. All the significant sectors of the industry from footwear to automotive and interiors have contributed to the rise.
Leather footwear exports increased by 9 percent, reaching a value of USD 4.41 billion. Although no formal statistics are available, the current average purchase of 1.5 pairs of shoes per year in China is expected to double as the Chinese urban population increases.
The boom initiated last year in the automotive industry is now set. Out of the 14 million vehicles the Chinese car industry has put on the road this year, a large number comes with leather upholstery fittings. China is one of the leading markets where leather fittings are the preferred option.
Commenting on the first day of the event, fifth time exhibitor, South Africa- based Mimosa Africa's managing director, Nigel Payne said the fair appeared busier than last year and that he expected to meet most of his customers and agents in China over the three-day show.
Buyer Alan B. Stables of Alani World was impressed by the professionalism of the fair and the increasing business transparency. "The fair is worth coming to, to stay connected to changes and trends in the industry," he said.
Now in its thirteenth year, the organisers of ACLE have witnessed and supported several global industry initiatives, the latest of which is LeatherNaturally! - a worldwide image campaign addressed to the trade and to consumers to promote leather as a high quality, fashionable, environmentally friendly and sustainable material.
About All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE)
ACLE is the most professional and recognised platform for the global leather industry to access China’s burgeoning domestic market. The exhibition provides the country’s largest variety of leather, components & accessories, manufacturing equipment and tools, machinery and technology and business services.
ACLE runs in conjunction with CIFF and Moda Shanghai, two finished products fairs offering an unparalleled platform for sourcing footwear products, leather garments, travelware, bags and fashion accessories.
About the Organisers
ACLE is organised jointly by the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) and APLF Ltd.
CLIA is the only officially recognised representative body for China’s vast and successful leather industry. CLIA has at its disposal the largest and most comprehensive databases of leather makers and manufactures of finished products, suppliers and buyers.
APLF Ltd. organises leading trade exhibitions in Hong Kong, China and India. It launched the Hong Kong Leather Fair 26 years ago – which is still the largest and most international sector event for all of Asia, and has expanded into the related fields of fashion and lifestyle products.
