Organising its 41st edition, APLF brought together leather manufacturers and the leather products industry in Hong Kong and reinforced the important issues of the sector with seminars and conferences.
International East Asia Leather Fair APLF was opened with an enthusiastic ceremony. At the opening ceremony, Ms. Grace Lee, former Director of APLF, Mr. Michael DUCK, Vice President of Commercial Development of APLF-Informa Markets, Mr. Christophe DEHARD, President of French Leather Alliance and Director of APLF, Mr. Su Chaoying, President of the Chinese Leather Association (CLIA), Mr. Luca BOLTRI, Vice President of the Italian Tanners (UNIC), Mr. Burak UYGUNER, President of the Turkish Leather Industrialists (TDSD), who was re-elected as President of the International Leather Council (ICT) and representatives of the associations of the global sector cut the ribbon and toasted.
During the fair, it was met with great interest from buyers and visitors
Participants from Far East Asia, European countries, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye and Uzbekistan participated in the fair.
Within the scope of the three-day fair, buyers and visitors showed great interest in the booths and examined the leathers consisting of many colours and patterns in the area where Balance 2025-2026 Trends were exhibited.
APLF Leather & Materials + Fashion Access 2025
On the first day, a press conference was held after the opening ceremony. Mr. Michael DUCK, Vice President of Commercial Development of APLF-Informa Markets, Ms. Janice Lee, APLF Director, Mr. Christophe DEHARD, President of French Leather Alliance and Director of APLF, answered the questions of the press members. Speaking about the scope of the APLF fair at the meeting, Mr Duck emphasised the growth of the global sector and the objectives of the International APLF fair leading the main market.
Seminars organised within the scope of the fair
Bringing together the entire leather supply chain, APLF Leather 2025 is recognised as the Meeting Place of the Global Leather Industry.
Many international organisations such as LWG, IULTCS, ICHSLTA, ICT and Leather Naturally took part in APLF for their annual meetings.
Sector Growth and Key Factors
The leather industry in China and Southeast Asia is on track for steady expansion in the coming years. Key sectors such as footwear, fashion accessories, automotive and the growing demand for leather products
In addition to the growth in leather consumption, consumer demand for leather products, footwear and fashion accessories is also expected to increase significantly. A report by McKinsey predicts that by 2030, 60 per cent of China’s population will belong to the middle class. This demographic shift is expected to lead to an increase in the consumption of luxury leather goods.
According to Market Data Forecast, the Southeast Asia leather goods market, valued at USD 5.9 billion in 2023, is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% between 2025 and 2030. This makes the region a very important market for global manufacturers.
Award ceremony was organised within the scope of the fair
APLF leather fair, Companies and Students were awarded at the event organised for those who create innovation in leather products.
‘Three Fairs in One’ with APLF Leather, Materials+ and Fashion Access
Participants from the main leather producing countries, including exhibitors from 24 national associations, moulded potential market trends.
Leather maintains its position in terms of sustainability in the face of increasingly sophisticated synthetic materials, especially in the rapidly developing sports footwear sector of the footwear industry. As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, Materials+ is focussed on promoting ethical production in fashion.
Materials+ highlighted green technology, the latest fashion materials, innovative components and modern production processes, emphasising natural materials specifically designed for the leather goods and footwear industries.
Fashion Access also showcased a wide range of finished products such as bags, leather goods, garments, footwear, cashmere and fashion accessories.
