On March 14, the 42nd edition of APLF (Asia Pacific Leather Fair), one of the key events for the global leather supply chain, particularly for the Asian market, came to a close. Despite a challenging economic and geopolitical context, the fair recorded good attendance in the early days, with a steady flow of visitors and contacts from various sectors such as fashion, interior design, and automotive. This is a sign that, even in times of uncertainty, the role of international trade fairs remains central for companies in the supply chain.
APLF represents a key gateway to the Asian market, bringing together operators from countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. In this context, the presence of Italian exhibitors continues to grow, confirming the strong interest in a supply chain recognized for its quality and craftsmanship. However, the Asian market remains complex.
On the one hand, countries such as Japan and South Korea show a strong appreciation for high-quality leather, such as vegetable-tanned leather; on the other hand, price competition remains a decisive factor. In particular, in the leather chemicals sector, the presence of local producers with lower costs makes it difficult for Italian companies to compete, despite their generally higher quality standards.
Critical issues are even more evident in the machinery segment, which has recorded a significant decline compared to previous years, estimated between -30% and -40%. This reflects a broader slowdown in demand and a phase of investment redefinition across the entire supply chain. More generally, the sentiment shared by exhibitors is that of a still fragile market, further influenced by geopolitical tensions.
This is also where the role of trade fairs is changing. While ten years ago APLF was mainly a sales-oriented event, today it is increasingly becoming a strategic space to strengthen market presence, consolidate relationships, and build brand awareness. In 2026, participating in the fair means positioning oneself within a constantly evolving market, maintaining visibility in strategic geographic areas.
In a global context marked by uncertainty, APLF continues to play a fundamental role: that of a barometer of the leather industry, capable of providing a real snapshot of the sector’s dynamics, challenges, and opportunities.
