Global Weekly Footwear & Leather News Roundup: Nov 22 – Nov 28, 2025
Reading time: ~12 minutes
The period of November 22-28, 2025, delivered a flurry of updates that signal major shifts in strategy, sustainability, and market structure. From executive appointments at giants like Authentic Brands Group and Boot Barn’s massive retail expansion, to the significant news that Adidas and Asics are officially dropping kangaroo leather, the industry is accelerating its transformation. Key headlines this week focus heavily on sustainability compliance for major export hubs like Vietnam, while large players like JBS push for consolidation to control the global leather supply chain
JBS Plans New Global Leather Group with Viva
Food and tannery giant JBS has signed a binding memorandum of understanding with Vanz Holding and Viposa to establish a new global leather group. This major consolidation move, announced on November 25, 2025, aims to enhance JBS’s market position and scale within the international leather supply chain.. Read More
Over 25 Leather Groups Urge COP30 Climate Recognition
More than twenty-five organizations from around the world signed an updated Leather Manifesto to urge leaders at the COP30 climate conference to recognize leather as a sustainable, bio-based material that supports the circular economy. The manifesto, released on November 25, 2025, calls for better Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) that fairly account for leather as a by-product of the meat industry.. Read More
UP Leather Industry Eyes Russian Market for Exports
The Uttar Pradesh leather industry in India is actively seeking opportunities in the Russian market to offset trade disruptions caused by US tariffs. This effort, reported on November 27, 2025, is being promoted ahead of a major India-Russia Business Forum to boost exports for the MSME sector… Read More
KSR Footwear Debuts Post-Demerger on Indian Exchanges
KSR Footwear Limited made its stock market debut on November 27, 2025, following the successful completion of its demerger from Khadim India Limited. The newly formed company listed on both the NSE and BSE, though its share price experienced weakness in early trading due to muted investor demand.. Read More
Dick’s Sporting Goods Appoints Foot Locker International President
DICK’S Sporting Goods announced on November 26, 2025, the appointment of Matthew Barnes as President of Foot Locker International, effective in December. This strategic executive move signals a focus on strengthening and expanding Foot Locker’s global operations.. Read More
Leather Conservation Centre Completes UK Relocation
The Leather Conservation Centre in the UK announced it has finished its relocation to new bespoke studios at Canopy in Leicester on November 25, 2025. The new facility will continue its vital work in the preservation and restoration of historic leather artifacts across the country.. Read More
Egyptian Leather Market Sees Sales Contraction
The Egyptian Leather Industry Chamber reported a substantial contraction in sales during 2025, prompting retailers to offer year-round discounts to stimulate demand. This contraction, reported on November 27, 2025, suggests the Egyptian leather market is navigating challenging domestic economic conditions.. Read More
Portugal Footwear Industry Driving Innovation and Investment
The Portuguese Footwear Industry is demonstrating its commitment to future growth with plans to invest €600 million by 2030. This investment, highlighted on November 25, 2025, will focus on robotics, AI, automation, and sustainable advancement to maintain global competitiveness amid mounting competition.. Read More
EU Deforestation Regulation Delay Welcomed by Tanneries
Italian tanneries and other leather businesses welcomed a proposed one-year delay to the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance deadline. This extension, noted on November 25, 2025, provides suppliers with more time to establish the necessary traceability systems for deforestation-free leather.. Read More
Vietnam Raw Material Center Discussion for Footwear
Vietnam is actively discussing the establishment of a center for raw materials to support its textile, leather, and footwear industries. This effort, reported on November 24, 2025, signals a push to enhance sustainability and increase the sector’s competitiveness by securing local supply chains. Read More
U.S. Footwear Market Hits $139 Billion Projection
The U.S. footwear sector, including leather segments, is forecasted to grow from $105.54 billion in 2024 to $139.03 billion by 2033 at 3.11% CAGR. Key drivers include athletic trends, sustainability initiatives like plant-based leather, and circular fashion repairs. Brands like Nike and Adidas lead innovation in eco-materials. Read More
Nike Air Force 1 Debuts Patent Leather Colors
Nike releases classic Air Force 1 Low in vibrant patent leather shades like pink and mulberry, emphasizing glossy finishes for streetwear appeal. This update caters to sustainable fashion demands with recycled elements, driving holiday sales in the global sneaker market valued at billions Read More
Ethiopia Halts Raw Leather Exports
Industry Minister Melaku Alebel proposes suspending raw leather shipments to revive local tanneries, now down from 35 to seven factories due to shortages. This policy aims to stabilize the crisis-hit sector, enhance value addition, and boost exports of finished leather goods amid global demand… Read More
Portugal Footwear Exports Rise 3.8%
Portuguese footwear exports grew 3.8% in volume and 2.1% in value through September 2025, led by leather products to Europe and the U.S. Despite global slowdowns, innovation in sustainable designs and digital sales channels drive resilience in this key EU manufacturing hub… Read More
Coach Brooklyn Bag Gains Investment Buzz
Coach’s iconic Brooklyn leather tote emerges as a top investment pick for timeless style and versatility, with experts praising its craftsmanship and resale value. This spotlight reflects broader luxury leather trends, where durable designs outpace synthetic rivals in sustainability and long-term appeal for fashion-forward buyers.. Read More
Conclusion
The news flow from November 22-28, 2025, underscores a period of proactive change in the global footwear and leather sectors. The consolidation moves by industry titans like JBS, alongside the strategic retail expansion of Boot Barn and the management restructuring at Wolverine, demonstrate a market prioritizing scale and efficiency. Crucially, the definitive actions by major brands like Adidas and Asics to eliminate kangaroo leather, coupled with Vietnam’s urgent focus on green manufacturing, highlight that sustainability and ethical sourcing are no longer optional—they are now primary drivers of competitiveness in global trade. Staying informed on these trends is essential for anyone navigating the future of the leather and footwear industry.
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