India’s Piyush Goyal Sets $15 Billion Goal for Leather and Footwear Exports

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged India’s leather and footwear sector to boost exports to at least US$15 billion within the next five to seven years, roughly a three‑fold increase from the current US$4‑4.5 billion level. He highlighted the need for advanced technology, higher quality, stronger design and branding, sustainability, and scale, and called for diversification beyond the 15 countries that now receive 77 % of Indian leather shipments.

Goyal pointed to newly finalised free‑trade agreements that open markets in 38 developed economies, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Korea and ASEAN nations, and noted ongoing negotiations with Canada, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Mexico, Brazil and others. He said the government will support the industry with policy measures, infrastructure improvements and skill development to tap these opportunities and create additional employment.