Organizations

Assomac calls for stronger supply chain coordination

Jul 6, 2026 Italy

Italy’s technology sector for footwear, leather goods and tanning contracted again in 2025, prompting Assomac to call for stronger supply chain links and coordinated industrial policy

“Made in Italy does not begin when a product is sold, but much earlier: in capital goods, expertise, manufacturing and entrepreneurial capability. This strategic heritage fuels the strength of our supply chains and the competitiveness of the Italian industrial system”, said Mauro Bergozza, President of Assomac.

Italy’s technology sector for footwear, leather goods and tanning closed 2025 down by 11%, extending the downturn that began in 2023. The figure was presented during the Assomac General Assembly, held at the Fondazione Cariplo Congress Centre in Milan.

According to data from the association’s Research Centre, production was estimated at 512 million euros in 2025, following a 12% decline in 2024. Assomac said the sector still has solid foundations for recovery, including advanced technological expertise, strong company structures and a leading export position.

Segments

The contraction was uneven across segments. Tanning machinery recorded the sharpest fall, down by 24.5%, while leather goods machinery declined by 9.8% and footwear machinery by 4.1%. Spare parts and maintenance activities remained broadly stable.

International Trade

Exports continue to be the main driver for the sector, but Italy’s global position has changed over the past two decades. Assomac’s industry report shows that Italy accounted for 27% of global trade in the sector in 2025, compared with 42% in 2005.

China has become the leading exporter, reaching a 49% share in 2025, supported by strong price competitiveness and public incentives. Italy remains its main global competitor and has retained leadership in tanning machinery, leather goods machinery and spare parts, with a focus on higher-value segments such as luxury and premium markets.

Priorities

Assomac warned that competitive positioning can no longer be taken for granted. The association called for a permanent value chain working group that brings together technology, materials, and finished-product representatives across footwear, leather goods and tanning.

The proposal for a supply chain working group is important given the deteriorating environment. “There is no Made in Italy without a supply chain, no supply chain without manufacturing, and no manufacturing without technology”, said Assomac’s President.

The Assembly also pointed to the weakening of supply chain links, citing the Vigevano district, where machinery manufacturers now significantly outnumber footwear producers. Assomac said this underlines the need for action before industrial imbalances become harder to reverse.

Meeting

Strategic priorities identified during the meeting include stronger international engagement, new industrial partnerships, generational continuity, trade fair promotion, and organisational and digital transformation.

The discussion concluded that competitiveness, innovation and internationalisation will require deeper collaboration across the supply chain and a more coordinated industrial policy.

Image Credits: mpastyle.it

Italy Assomac Exports Footwear Industry International Trade Organisations