39th India International Leather Fair concludes in Chennai

The 39th edition of the India International Leather Fair (IILF) 2026 was held successfully at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, from February 1 to 3. The event was inaugurated by Jawed Ashraf, Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), along with dignitaries including Dr. Neeraj Kharwal (MD, ITPO), Shri Ramesh Juneja (Chairman, CLE), R. Selvam (ED, CLE), and M. Abdul Wahab (Regional Chairman South, CLE).

The three-day exhibition featured a comprehensive range of leather products, machinery, and equipment. A major highlight was the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, including additive manufacturing, AI-driven design and data analysis, augmented reality, and digital enterprise software. Meanwhile, companies like Archroma were among those who participated for the first time in a dedicated leather industry tradeshow. Archroma is a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions.

This year’s fair held strategic significance as India and Europe move toward a new global order. The recent Free Trade Agreement is set to accelerate economic growth by slashing tariffs and fostering investment, aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The fair hosted 362 Indian companies and 66 overseas participants from nations including Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Indian leather sector recorded exports of approximately 4.83 billion US dollars in the last financial year. Currently, the industry in Tamil Nadu and Kerala remains a dominant force, contributing thirty-eight per cent of India’s total output and over forty-five per cent of its exports.

Speaking at the event, Mukhtarul Amin, Chairman of the Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC), stated: "Our export will increase tremendously, and we are likely to multiply exports manifold over the next two years to reach our target of $30 billion." He hailed the India-US trade deal as a historic milestone that reduces tariffs on Indian leather and footwear from fifty per cent to eighteen per cent, positioning India as a preferred supplier to the 42-billion-dollar US market.

India-US Interim Deal in spotlight: Mukhtarul Amin and other industry leaders, including those from the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), praised the deal for slashing punitive tariffs on Indian exports including leather products to the US. The reduction to an 18 per cent tariff cap is expected to boost the competitiveness of Indian MSMEs and generate significant employment, particularly for women who comprise a large portion of the leather workforce. The deal is seen as a ‘win-win’ that encourages US companies to diversify their supply chains toward India under the ‘China Plus One’ strategy.

According to Amin, the IILF remains a flagship global platform for manufacturers, exporters, and innovators to showcase the entire leather ecosystem—from sustainable materials to finished products. He emphasized that such forums are vital for accelerating collaboration and expanding India’s global footprint. Through these trade milestones and technological advancements, the IILF has reinforced its role in shaping a competitive, sustainable, and future-ready leather industry.

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