Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has asked India’s leather and footwear industry to target US$ 15 billion in exports over the next five to six years through FTAs, quality improvement, innovation, and market diversification.

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• Piyush Goyal urged the leather and footwear industry to target at least US$ 15 billion in exports within the next 5–6 years, aiming for nearly three-fold growth from current levels.
• The Minister said India’s leather and footwear exports currently stand at around US$ 4–4.5 billion, but strong manufacturing capabilities and skilled artisans provide significant potential for rapid expansion.
• Recently concluded and upcoming Free Trade Agreements are expected to open access to 38 developed countries, creating major export opportunities for Indian leather and footwear manufacturers.
• The India–UK Free Trade Agreement will come into force on July 15, while the proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement is progressing toward final legal review.
• Exporters were encouraged to diversify beyond traditional destinations, as nearly 77% of India’s leather exports are currently concentrated in only 15 countries.
• The Minister highlighted opportunities beyond footwear, including handbags, wallets, belts, jackets, sports equipment, upholstery, luxury furnishings, and other premium leather products for global markets.
• Goyal called for greater emphasis on quality, product design, branding, sustainable manufacturing, renewable energy, recycling, and advanced technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence to enhance competitiveness.
• The leather sector currently provides employment to over 40 lakh people, with the potential to create jobs for 1 crore people as exports and production continue expanding.