The Italian tanning industry employs over 17,000 people across more than 1,100 companies, generating an annual turnover exceeding €4 billion, of which 70% is exported to around 121 countries.
It is historically recognized as a global leader thanks to its high level of technological and qualitative development, its strong environmental commitment, and its capacity for stylistic and design innovation.
The tanning industry recycles and upgrades a by-product of the meat industry — raw hides generated from slaughtering.
The main animal type processed is adult bovine, which accounts for 77% of total production, followed by ovine (9%), calf (7%), and goat (6%) hides. Less than 1% of tanned hides come from other species such as reptiles or pigs.
The primary customers of Italian tanneries are footwear manufacturers, purchasing 33% of total national leather output. They are followed by leather goods (31%), automotive interiors (16%), furniture (14%), and apparel (4%), with a residual 2% used for niche applications such as bookbinding.
The tanning sector is among the most internationalized industries in Italy, as shown by foreign trade data. Exports, reaching 121 countries, account for roughly 70% of total turnover — more than double the share from 20 years ago. The European Union is the main export area (60% of total exports), with France as the leading destination (12%), followed by Spain, China (including Hong Kong), Vietnam, and Romania.
Raw material imports play a crucial role in the sector. Sourcing from 104 countries, imports cover over 90% of the industry’s needs. In detail, 47% of imported volumes are raw hides, 52% are semi-processed “wet blue” hides, while “crust” leathers represent about 1% of total imports.
Despite strong competition from emerging countries such as China, India, and Brazil, the Italian tanning industry continues to hold an undisputed global leadership. Its production value represents 25% of the global total, rising to 67% within the European Union. Commercially, 31% of global leather exports originate from Italy.
Italian tanning represents a successful example of the district-based industrial model that has long characterized much of the country’s manufacturing economy. In fact, around 94% of production is concentrated within three main tanning districts — Veneto, Tuscany, and Campania — with smaller shares in Lombardy and other regions. Over time, these districts have developed — and often adapted — their distinctive product and process characteristics to meet the evolving demands of the global market.
Download the Presentation of the Italian Tanning Industry Results – Year 2024.
THE VENETO DISTRICT
The Chiampo Valley (Vicenza) is home to one of the largest tanning districts in the world and the most important in Italy in terms of production volume and workforce. It includes Arzignano and the broader Chiampo area, extending from Crespadoro to Montebello, Montorso to Zermeghedo, and Montecchio Maggiore.
This district — which accounts for 59% of Italy’s total leather production — stands out for its industrial diversity, combining small and medium-sized enterprises with large industrial groups.
From a production standpoint, its main specialization lies in medium-to-large bovine hides, destined primarily for furniture and automotive interiors, as well as for footwear and leather goods.
THE TUSCAN DISTRICT
The district with the highest concentration of tanneries is located in Tuscany, encompassing the municipalities of Santa Croce sull’Arno, Bientina, Castelfranco di Sotto, Montopoli Val d’Arno, San Miniato, Santa Maria a Monte (Province of Pisa), and Fucecchio (Province of Florence).
Accounting for 29% of Italy’s total leather production, the local tanneries are distinguished by their high level of craftsmanship and production flexibility, serving primarily the luxury fashion brands.
Their production mainly focuses on small- to medium-sized bovine hides (including calfskins) and sole leather, the latter being produced almost entirely in San Miniato and Ponte a Egola.
THE CAMPANIA DISTRICT
In Campania, there is a tanning hub specialized in the processing of small hides, particularly sheepskins and goatskins, intended for the apparel, footwear, and leather goods industries.
Most companies are located in the Province of Avellino — in the areas of Solofra, Montoro Inferiore, Montoro Superiore, and Serino — with additional important operations near Naples (in Arzano, Casandrino, and Casoria).
Originally focused on uppers for footwear, the Solofra tanning district later expanded and diversified into apparel production, before recently shifting its focus back toward footwear and leather goods. The Campania tanning industry currently accounts for approximately 6% of Italy’s total leather production.
