Brazil Leather Exports Jump in August, Jan-Aug Revenue Down 2.9%
LW Desk
Brazilian leather exports showed a strong August recovery, rising 14.3% year on year to US$93.7 million. However, January-August exports remained 2.9% lower at US$721.8 million, reflecting weaker performance across key markets.
Brazilian leather exports recorded a strong improvement in August, with revenue reaching US$93.7 million, up 14.3% from August 2025. However, exports for the first eight months of 2026 remained below last year’s level, with revenue falling 2.9% year on year.
According to data from Secex, compiled by the Brazilian Centre for the Leather Industry (CICB) and reported by Abrameq, August exports also increased 11.2% compared with July, when shipments generated US$84.3 million.
From January to August 2026, Brazilian leather exports totaled US$721.8 million, compared with the same period in 2025. The exported area declined by 1.8% during the period.
The main markets continued to account for a large share of Brazil’s leather exports. China and Hong Kong remained the largest destination, representing 31% of total export revenue at US$223.6 million. However, exports to the market declined 2.8% year on year.
The United States ranked second, with US$89 million and a 12.3% share of export revenue, but shipments fell 15.2%. Vietnam received US$72.4 million, accounting for 10% of exports, while its import value declined 6.5%.
Italy ranked fourth with US$69.9 million, representing 9.7% of total revenue. Exports to Italy declined 16.1% compared with January-August 2025.
Together, China/Hong Kong, the US, Vietnam and Italy accounted for 63% of Brazil’s leather export revenue during the first eight months.
At the same time, several smaller markets delivered strong growth. Exports to South Korea increased 26.2%, Spain rose 32%, Indonesia grew 50.2%, Malaysia surged 114.1%, and Colombia increased 51.1%.
The August increase offers a positive sign for Brazil’s leather sector, although the overall January-August performance shows that export revenue has yet to return to last year’s level.
