The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has welcomed the newly signed India-US trade agreement, describing it as a landmark development that promises significant benefits for India’s leather, footwear, and leather products industries. The council highlighted that the deal is mutually advantageous, as it offers more liberalized trade conditions, including reduced tariffs and fewer barriers, fostering stronger commercial ties between the two countries.
CLE noted that the United States remains the largest consumer of Indian leather products, accounting for roughly a quarter of India’s total leather exports. With the new agreement easing longstanding tariff and non-tariff restrictions, Indian leather goods are expected to become more competitive globally, potentially driving a substantial rise in export volumes in a short span of time.
The trade pact is also anticipated to encourage US companies to expand their supply chains into India, particularly in high-growth segments such as premium leather goods and non-leather shoes. This is expected to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI) into India’s manufacturing hubs while generating thousands of new jobs, especially benefiting women, who represent a large portion of the industry’s workforce.
By combining the benefits of the “China Plus One” strategy with the new trade framework, India is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the US$ 400 billion global leather and footwear market, while reinforcing its reputation as a producer of high-quality and sustainable products. The CLE emphasized that the agreement provides a strong platform for long-term growth, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in leather and footwear manufacturing.
