Leather industry in Bangladesh

The leather industry is a major industry in Bangladesh and the Government of Bangladesh has declared it as a priority sector. The industry was the second largest export sector of Bangladesh in FY 2014–2015. The industry also plays a role in creating employment. [1] However, Human Right Watch reported that it is responsible for pollution of air, water, and soil, that lead to serious health problems in the population.[2] It is also known to be largely involved in child labour.[3]

Bangladesh experienced a notable surge in footwear exports to the United States, witnessing a significant increase of 64.40% to reach $451.40 million, compared to $274.58 million in 2021. This growth can be attributed to US buyers shifting their sourcing preferences from China and Vietnam. As per data from the US Department of Commerce, Bangladesh's leather footwear exports to the US market also witnessed a substantial rise of 63.25% in 2022, reaching $406.49 million, compared to $249 million in the previous year.[4]

  1. ^ "Prospects of Bangladesh Leather Industry – Farm to Fashion Products" (PDF). Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh.
  2. ^ "Bangladesh: Tanneries Harm Workers, Poison Communities". Human Right Watch.
  3. ^ "Report examines grim Bangladesh leather trade, links to West". Associated Press.
  4. ^ News-Desk, Apparel Resources (28 March 2023). "Bangladesh witnesses 64.40% increase in footwear export to US in 2022: Reports | Trade Data News Bangladesh". Apparel Resources. Retrieved 14 July 2023.