LEATHER AND LEATHER GOODS
ABOUT
Leading export products
Bangladesh leather industry comprises the components of tanning and finishing, footwear and footwear components, leather accessories and leather goods, e.g. bags, wallets, belts, accessories, etc. Mentionable, products such as fabric-based footwear are also now being produced in Bangladesh for global retailers. International brands like Adidas, Aldo, Timberland, Marks & Spencer, Steve Madden, Esprit, ABC Mart, Nike and K-Mart, Sears etc. are sourcing leather goods or footwear form Bangladesh.
Leather & Footwear Export overview
Bangladesh Exports 20/21 and 21/22 Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear
Source: EPB
Leather & Footwear Export destinations
European countries are the main markets for leather and leather products in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh also exports to the United States, Japan, UK, China and a few other countries.
Number of companies
The leather sector of Bangladesh includes 200 tanneries, 3,500 MSMEs, 2500 footwear making units and 90 large firms. Bangladesh meets the demand for about 10% of the world’s total leather market. Recently, a sustainable 205 industrial units Tannery Estate has been developed with CETP and STP and the production of eco-friendly leather and linkage industries-packing, lasts, adhesives, outsoles are growing rapidly.
Key Players (export) (top 8 companies)
1. Apex Footwear Limited
2. Picard Bangladesh Limited
3. Lalmai Footwear Limited
4. Landmark Footwear Limited
5. Bangladesh Export Ltd
6. H. N. Shoes Ltd
7. Tropical Shoes Ltd
8. Cosmic Industries Ltd
6. Leading Co Certifications
• ISO 14001 has been implemented in 13 factories.
• 11 factories have the capacity to manufacture ECO Label products
Number of people employed by the sector
Leather, Leather goods and footwear export sector is a highly labor intensive industry with more than 60% women workforce. The industry directly and indirectly employs 850,000workers.
Government & donor support programmes
Bangladesh government has taken many steps to upgrade the industry. The government has already set up a modern leather industrial estate in Savar and two more leather industrial parks will be set up in Chattogram and Rajshahi for unlocking the huge potentials of the country’s leather sector if the current government is re-elected in the next election.
Tanneries of the Hazaribagh area have been shifted to a modern environment-friendly tannery estate in Savar. Tanners have now the option to build their industrial unit by applying modern concepts. They can add updated hydraulic and pneumatic machines, apply the latest production processes, and use technology upgrades.
Key Institutions in the Leather Sector
• Bangladesh Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (LMFEAB)
• Bangladesh Tanners Association