Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal has urged India’s leather and footwear industry to set an ambitious target of achieving at least USD 15 billion in exports within the next five to six years by capitalising on new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), expanding into new markets and strengthening quality, design, branding and sustainability.
Speaking at the Council for Leather Exports National Export Excellence Awards 2024-25 in New Delhi, the Minister said the sector, which currently exports products worth around USD 4–4.5 billion, has the capability to nearly triple its export performance if it adopts a long-term growth strategy.
FTAs to Open New Growth Opportunities
Goyal highlighted that India’s recently concluded and upcoming FTAs are creating unprecedented opportunities for exporters. He said the India-UK FTA is scheduled to come into force on July 15, while negotiations with the European Union are progressing rapidly, with both sides working to complete the legal formalities in the coming weeks.
The Minister noted that India’s trade agreements now provide improved market access to 38 developed countries, in addition to existing FTAs with ASEAN nations, Japan and South Korea. Ongoing negotiations with Canada, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Mexico, Brazil and several other regions are expected to further widen export opportunities.
According to Goyal, exporters should prepare themselves to fully utilise these agreements by expanding their presence in both established and emerging international markets.
Diversifying Beyond Traditional Markets
Expressing concern over the concentration of exports, Goyal pointed out that nearly 77% of India’s leather exports are shipped to just 15 countries. He encouraged exporters to explore smaller developed markets alongside major destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy.
He said these markets offer strong demand for premium footwear, designer products and luxury leather goods, presenting Indian manufacturers with significant opportunities to establish global brands.
Focus on Branding, Quality and Design
The Minister stressed that future growth would depend not only on increased production but also on superior product quality, innovative designs, attractive packaging and strong brand building.
He urged manufacturers to invest in world-class testing laboratories and certification systems to ensure Indian products meet the highest international standards. Goyal also encouraged collaboration with institutions such as the National Institute of Design (NID), the Indian Institute of Packaging, the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to strengthen product development and quality assurance.
Technology and Sustainability to Drive Competitiveness
Highlighting changing global consumer preferences, Goyal called on the industry to embrace sustainability by recycling waste, conserving water, treating effluents and increasing the use of renewable energy in manufacturing.
He said products manufactured through environmentally responsible processes are increasingly commanding premium prices in international markets.
The Minister also encouraged greater adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics to improve production efficiency, demand forecasting and product design. He emphasised that automation would complement rather than replace jobs by improving productivity and expanding market opportunities.
Employment Potential and Skill Development
The leather and footwear sector currently provides employment to more than 40 lakh people, with women accounting for nearly 40% of the workforce. Goyal expressed confidence that employment could eventually reach one crore as the industry expands.
To strengthen the talent pipeline, he suggested that the industry take greater responsibility for managing leather development centres and training institutions. He proposed closer partnerships between industry and training institutes to modernise skill development and ensure the availability of a highly skilled workforce.
Government Assures Continued Support
Reiterating the government’s commitment to export promotion, Goyal said the Export Promotion Mission would continue supporting the sector through overseas exhibitions, business delegations, warehousing facilities and market access initiatives. He also encouraged the industry to establish warehouses in strategic global markets to facilitate faster deliveries and improve competitiveness.
Congratulating the recipients of the Export Excellence Awards, the Minister described exporters as ambassadors of Brand India, whose success contributes to employment generation, economic growth and India’s global reputation.
Calling leather craftsmanship a heritage dating back nearly 7,000 years, Goyal said India possesses a unique combination of skilled artisans, manufacturing capability and expanding global market access. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, research and innovation, he said, the country has the potential to emerge as a global leader in leather and footwear exports.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
