Global Buyers Eye Bangladesh’s Growing Leather Sector at 2025 Dhaka Expo

BJ Desk

The 9th Bangladesh Leather and Footwear Expo 2025 concluded successfully on Saturday, highlighting the country’s rising potential as a global hub for leather and footwear production.

Held at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) from July 24 to 26, the three-day event brought together more than 250 exhibitors from Bangladesh and over a dozen countries, including China, India, Italy, and South Korea. Global buyers, sourcing agents, and local entrepreneurs explored a wide range of products—spanning leather goods, raw hides, finished footwear, machinery, chemicals, and accessories.

Organizers said the event was aimed at expanding Bangladesh’s footprint in the global leather supply chain and promoting sustainable and high-value leather exports.

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“This expo has become a vital platform for connecting Bangladeshi manufacturers with international buyers,” said an event spokesperson. “We’re seeing growing interest in Made-in-Bangladesh footwear and leather goods due to competitive pricing and improved product quality.”

Industry Highlights

• Bangladesh ranks as the 8th largest footwear producer globally and 9th-largest consumer market.
• Leather is Bangladesh’s second-highest export-earning sector after garments.
• Around 5,500 small-scale footwear factories support the local industry alongside large exporters.
• There is increasing global demand for fancy leather products and artisan handicrafts, many of which are made by Bangladeshi SMEs.

Exhibitors showcased innovations in eco-leather processing, sustainable production technologies, and export-quality craftsmanship, drawing attention from both traditional buyers and emerging markets.

Many industry leaders urged the government to continue supporting tannery relocation, environmental compliance, and incentives for exports to help the sector reach its full potential.