INTERVIEWS

‘Middle East war, US tariffs and local issues hurt leather Industry’

Abdul Wahab, Regional Chairman (South), Council for Leather Exports (CLE), shares his views on handling global trade challenges, boosting local supply ecosystem for shoe parts, and using government policy support to boost exports.

West Asia Crisis squeezes margins for Indian leather goods manufacturers

While welcoming FTAs, Sanjay Leekha, MD, Alpines Group, and Chairman, the Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC), said that direct fiscal support and upgrading skills of labour force are crucial for India’s $15 Billion footwear ambition.

FTAs to help boost leather, footwear exports to $14 Bn by 2030: CLE

"India’s uphill battle: global competition and domestic woes"

While international brands seek urgent alternatives to single-country procurement, domestic structural bottlenecks and low-margin commodity dependency threaten to stall India’s manufacturing ascendancy.

India firmly placed on the global buyers’ radar: CLE's Vikas Mahtani

“As the current global realignment presents a decisive window of opportunity for India’s manufacturing, the country’s leather and footwear sector is uniquely positioned to benefit from this shift.”

Systemic bottlenecks impacting sector growth: CLE VC Mukhtarul Amin

"The sector is facing multiple challenges that directly impact its growth trajectory and global competitiveness. Primarily, the industry is witnessing a sharp rise in input and logistics costs, driven by the crisis in West Asia and broader global supply chain disruptions."

Reforms key to unlocking India’s leather potential: CLE's Moti Lal Sethi

“Despite temporary global sluggishness, India’s long-term industry fundamentals remain remarkably robust due to a vast manufacturing base, favourable demographic shifts, and strong entrepreneurial resilience.”