Articles of leather; saddlery and… (chapter 42): which countries import it
Chapter 42 groups leather articles, saddlery, travel goods and handbags. The US, Japan and China lead global imports at over USD 26 billion combined.…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 42 groups leather articles, saddlery, travel goods and handbags. The US, Japan and China lead global imports at over USD 26 billion combined. Spanish exporters compete in a mature market where quality, design and compliance with leather standards determine access to premium segments.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 42
- Sector
- Fashion and Textiles
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 13,742,245,562 |
| Japan | 6,655,670,397 |
| China | 6,054,130,189 |
| Germany | 5,675,483,670 |
| France | 5,623,564,918 |
| Italy | 4,474,532,827 |
| South Korea | 3,592,940,939 |
| Hong Kong SAR China | 3,439,639,631 |
| United Kingdom | 3,314,739,470 |
| Spain | 2,648,046,682 |
| Netherlands | 2,485,082,881 |
| Canada | 2,004,461,538 |
| Poland | 1,721,858,285 |
| Singapore | 1,658,573,433 |
| Australia | 1,648,360,680 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Saddlery and harness for any animal (including traces, leads, knee pads, muzzles, saddle cloths, saddle bags, dog coats and the like) of any materialHeading 4201
- Trunks; suit, camera, jewellery, cutlery cases; travel, tool, similar bags; wholly or mainly covered by leather, composition leather, plastic sheeting, textile materials, vulcanised fibre, paperboardHeading 4202
- Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of leather or of composition leatherHeading 4203
- Articles of leather or of composition leather, of a kind used in machinery or mechanical appliances or for other technical uses.Heading 4204
- Leather or composition leather articles n.e.c. in chapter 42Heading 4205
- Articles of gut (other than silk-worm gut), of goldbeater's skin, of bladders or of tendonsHeading 4206
Trade fairs in this sector
- LINEAPELLE
- MICAM Milano
- MOMAD, Salón Internacional de Moda, Calzado y Accesorios
- Pitti Immagine Uomo
- Première Vision Paris
- Techtextil
- Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris
What you need to know to export leather goods and travel articles
Chapter 42 covers six product families: saddlery and harness for animals, trunks and travel bags, leather clothing and accessories, technical leather articles, and miscellaneous leather goods. The chapter excludes footwear (Chapter 64) and furs (Chapter 43).
The US is the largest importer at USD 13.7 billion annually, followed by Japan and China. Spain holds the tenth position among global suppliers with USD 2.6 billion in imports, competing directly with Italy, Germany and Poland in leather goods and with Asian suppliers in mass-market travel articles.
Travel goods and handbags represent the highest trade volume within Chapter 42. Quality positioning, design differentiation and brand recognition drive margins in developed markets, while functionality and price dominate emerging markets.
Trade fairs in this sector—Lineapelle in Italy, Première Vision in Paris, and MOMAD in Spain—are the main platforms for sourcing partnerships, trend forecasting and buyer meetings. Participating or attending these events is essential for market intelligence and buyer contact.
Frequently asked questions
How competitive is Spain in leather goods exports compared to Italy and Germany?
Spain ranks tenth globally with USD 2.6 billion in Chapter 42 imports. Italy and Germany both exceed Spain in volume and are established leaders in premium segments. Spain competes effectively in design-led handbags, travel goods and leather accessories, particularly in mid-to-premium price ranges and through export to Hispanic markets.
How important are trade fairs for entering this market?
Trade fairs are essential. Lineapelle, Première Vision and MOMAD are where buyers, distributors and trend scouts meet. Participation or attendance enables buyer discovery, partnership development and real-time market intelligence on materials, colors and design direction for the coming season.
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