Events

ACLE highlights innovation and resilience amid global pressures

Sep 30, 2025 China

The Shanghai trade fair welcomed thousands of professionals, with global trade links and emerging markets offering prospects for the leather sector. The next edition is set to occur in September 2026

The 25^th edition of the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) concluded at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre after three days at the beginning of September 2025. The event brought together nearly 1,000 exhibitors and welcomed over 32,000 professional buyers.

Trade Show

This year’s fair showcased a broad range of raw hides, wet blue, crust, finished leather, synthetic alternatives and components. A special focus was placed on innovative fashion technologies, functional materials and sustainable, low-carbon solutions. These developments opened new opportunities across multiple downstream sectors, including footwear, accessories, automotive, furniture and sportswear.

Programme

Alongside the trade fair, a comprehensive programme of events added depth to the exhibition. The International Tanning Industry Summit and the UITIC International Footwear Congress provided platforms for global dialogue and discussion. At the same time, the "New Products & Technologies Launch" initiative spotlighted future-oriented solutions in leather, machinery and chemicals. Academic sessions and technical presentations further highlighted sustainability and digitalisation trends reshaping the sector.

Exhibitors

The exhibition unfolded against a challenging backdrop for the global leather market. Slowing economic growth, reduced consumer confidence, volatile hide prices, rising environmental costs and shrinking orders in footwear and apparel all weighed heavily on industry sentiment. To remain competitive, companies are under increasing pressure to reduce costs, improve efficiency and accelerate the shift towards greener and smarter production methods.

Despite these headwinds, exhibitors expressed confidence in new opportunities. Brazilian Leather’s project manager, Letícia Luft, noted that “there are more visitors this year, and I believe trade between China and Brazil will only grow stronger”. While Dennis King, CEO of the Australian Hide, Skin and Leather Exporters Association, added that “the absence of US exhibitors has created opportunities for us to expand our client base”.

Buyers

Buyers also highlighted the fair’s value as a sourcing platform. Zhang Wen, CMF designer at Sky Dream RV, emphasised the efficiency of comparing multiple suppliers under one roof. Beyond procurement, forums and technical exchanges provided attendees with early insights into emerging trends, regulatory risks and innovations that are likely to shape the industry’s trajectory in the years to come.

Organisers confirmed that the next edition will return to Shanghai from the 1^st to the 3^rdof September, 2026.

Image Credits: aplf.com

China Events Footwear Leather Organisations Trade fairs