The survey has been published against a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty and a rapidly evolving global market. It provides a snapshot of sentiment from tanners of all types and sizes globally, offering insight into the issues shaping today’s leather supply chain and the expectations for the year ahead.
Some key highlights of this year’s survey:
- 82% of respondents identified rising costs as a major concern over the past 12 months, ahead of weak consumer demand (53%) and lower order volumes (49%).
- 80% of tanners are concerned about customers sourcing non-leather materials, with 66% specifically identifying plastics and synthetics as their primary concern.
- 31% plan to invest in AI and automation, up from 22% in 2025, while 56% plan to invest in new machinery and equipment.
- 47% believe emerging sustainability, traceability and product compliance regulations could negatively impact their supply chain, while 51% can trace raw materials only as far as the slaughterhouse.
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