Turnover increased to €400 million in 2010 with automotive leather sales almost doubling compared with 2009. Around 70% of all leather produced in Germany is for automotive and furniture applications.
There are currently 35 companies operating in Germany employing some 2,500 employees. German tanners are also present in the footwear and leather goods market segments.
In the footwear sector overall turnover increased by 3.6% to €1.02 billion. Domestic sales stagnated at €724 million over the first six months of 2010 while exports were up 13.5% over the same period. The German shoe industry has 45 companies employing 10,700 workers. 79% of all exports were to other EU countries, Switzerland and Russia.
Turnover of German made leather goods rose slightly to 1% in 2010 compared with 2009 achieving €235 million. Domestic sales declined 5% but exports rose 18% with 73% of exports within the EU. There 29 German leather goods makers employing 1,800 people.
