Brazilian Leather Heads to Lineapelle in Italy

From September 17 to 19, Brazilian leather will be showcased at Europe's leading commercial and trend-setting platform for the industry: the Lineapelle fair in Milan, Italy. Six individual stands representing Brazil will be featured at the event, supported by the Brazilian Leather project, a partnership between the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

The tanneries with individual stands are Bolzano, Courovale, Couro e Arte, Fuga Couros, and Nova Kaeru. Additionally, the CICB and Brazilian Leather will have an institutional stand, promoting the entire Brazilian leather industry. Rogério Cunha, from CICB’s Trade Intelligence, emphasizes the strategic importance of this September edition of Lineapelle: "The event coincides with Simac Tanning Tech, a technology fair for the sector. This creates an added opportunity for research on innovation, markets, and new suppliers. We have planned several media, networking, and outreach actions for Brazilian leather during this week in Milan," Rogério explains. He, alongside Ricardo Andrade, CICB’s Technical and Sustainability Advisor, will take part in a series of representational and advocacy activities for the Brazilian industry during both Lineapelle and Simac.

From January to August this year, Brazil saw a 7.4% increase in leather exports to Italy in dollar terms. By value, Italy accounted for 11.6% of Brazil’s total leather exports during this period, ranking third in the market. In terms of volume, Italy represents 13% of Brazil's total leather exports, with a 5.2% growth from January to August 2024.

Italy is the world's leading exporter of leather, reaching $3.3 billion in 2023. It is also a global fashion industry leader, known for its high-quality production and trend-setting. According to the global footwear industry report, Italy ranked third in terms of value for footwear exports in 2023, with $13.7 billion in sales worldwide. When focusing on leather footwear, Italy ranks second globally in export value, trailing only Vietnam and ahead of China.

About Brazilian Leather
Brazilian Leather is a sectoral project aimed at the internationalization of Brazilian leather, led by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) in partnership with ApexBrasil. Its strategies include encouraging tanneries to participate in the world's major trade fairs and organizing business missions to foster stronger relationships between Brazilian suppliers and international buyers. More information can be found at www.brazilianleather.com.br.

About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) promotes Brazilian products and services abroad and attracts foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. ApexBrasil carries out various commercial promotion activities to enhance Brazilian exports, including trade missions, business roundtables, support for Brazilian companies at major international fairs, and visits by foreign buyers and opinion leaders to Brazil. The agency also works with public and private stakeholders to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to sectors key to enhancing the competitiveness of Brazilian businesses and the country's economy.

About CICB
The Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) represents Brazilian leather producers. Founded in 1957, CICB's mission is to promote the growth, quality, strength, and unity of the sector. The organization is guided by sustainability, supporting technology projects, professional training, commercial promotion, and advocacy for the industry. CICB also fosters institutional representation, connects with the broader production chain, and coordinates working groups such as Traceability and Communication with its members across the country.

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