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Italian footwear, leather goods and tannery machinery sector ends 2024 in the red

Jul 3, 2025 Italy

Preliminary figures from Assomac indicate that the sector recorded a year-on-year drop in turnover of 12% in 2024, with an estimated closure of around 575 million euros

At the last General Assembly of the Italian Association of Tanning, Shoe and Leather Goods Machinery Manufacturers (Assomac), a “complex picture” of the sector emerged, with preliminary results for 2024 pointing to a year-on-year drop in turnover of around 12%, estimated at approximately 575 million euros.

According to the organisation, this contraction is the result of a slower domestic market, penalised by the slowdown in fashion supply chain investments, as well as exports. This is all taking place in a global context characterised by geopolitical instability, inflation, shrinking consumption and tightening trade barriers.

“Our sector is going through a phase of deep, but not irreversible suffering”, commented Mauro Bergozza, President of Assomac, looking ahead to the future. “The quality of our technologies, the solidity of Italian know-how, and the innovative drive that distinguishes us must once again become a driver of competitiveness”.

He continued: “To achieve this, we need investments in digitisation, automation, sustainability and above all a shared vision between companies, institutions and the education and research system. We must be ready to play a system game, otherwise we will remain on the sidelines of the global market”.

Nevertheless, Italy remains the technological leader in the high-end segment on the international stage, pointed out Assomac. Last year, it maintained a 30% share of global exports in the sector and held a 52% share of the global tannery machinery export market and a 35% share of the leather goods machinery export market. The footwear segment has been hit hardest, with a 12% share, in a context of intense competition from the growing Chinese presence.

Source and Image Credits: assomac.it

Italy Assomac Economy Equipment and Machinery Footwear Leather goods Trade