Raw hides and tanned leather are among the most essential raw materials in the leather goods industry.
These materials have a wide range of applications—from furniture and footwear to automotive upholstery and luxury fashion items. The raw hides and tanned leather sector is where traditional craftsmanship intersects with modern industry.
Both in terms of production techniques and trade relations, these products are among the most frequently transported goods globally.
On a global scale, leather trade is primarily concentrated across Asia, Europe, and South America. Leading producers of raw hides include Brazil, India, China, and the United States. When it comes to tanned leather, countries such as Italy, Vietnam, and Mexico are recognized as key players.
Worldwide, the annual volume of raw and semi-processed hides traded is expressed in millions of tons.
Thanks to its historical tradition in leather craftsmanship and strategic geopolitical location, Türkiye is one of the key actors in the leather supply chain. The number of raw hides processed annually in the country is substantial, and this processing capacity is concentrated in major industrial hubs.
The most prominent production cities include Istanbul, Bursa, Uşak, and İzmir. The technologies used in tanned leather production have been modernized over time, strengthening Türkiye’s competitive advantage in this area. Proximity to European and Middle Eastern markets further enhances the country’s export potential, while domestically, the automotive and footwear industries stand out as
major consumers of leather products.
The transportation of raw hides and tanned leather requires special logistics solutions due to their physical sensitivity and time-critical nature. The most common transportation modes in this sector are road and sea freight.
Road transportation is prevalent in domestic markets due to its speed and flexibility over short and medium distances. In countries like Türkiye, where leather production facilities are often located near major urban centers, road transport proves advantageous. During transport, raw hides must be protected from humidity, temperature changes, and physical deformation. Therefore, special packaging and
transport vehicles are used.
Sea transportation forms the backbone of international logistics in the raw hides and tanned leather trade. It offers significant cost advantages, especially for large-volume orders and intercontinental shipments. Since tanned leather is highly sensitive to moisture and water exposure, humidity control systems and insulation measures are critical in containerized shipping to prevent spoilage and ensure quality preservation.
