12–14 March 2026 | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
by S&A
If the global leather industry had a calendar with red-circled dates, APLF Leather would sit right at the top – bold, underlined and impossible to ignore. Returning from 12 to 14 March 2026, this three-day international fair once again positions itself as the definitive meeting point where deals are done, prices are hinted at and the year’s leather narrative quietly and sometimes loudly takes shape.
A Market Where the Forecast Is Set
Often described without much argument as the industry’s top-tier leather exhibition, APLF is less trade show, more annual strategy summit. Over 800+ exhibitors and 20+ global industry associations converge here, not just to show leather, but to decode demand, sense price directions and test the mood of the market.
From early-morning stand meetings to forum debates that stretch well beyond coffee breaks, APLF is where professional bodies, tanners, traders and manufacturers collectively ask the big question: What kind of year are we really in for?
Asia-Pacific & China: The Buying Power Hub
With 11,000+ buyers expected particularly from Asia-Pacific and China, APLF 2026 is geared toward regions primed for renewed momentum in leather manufacturing and retail. For exhibitors, this isn’t just about footfall; it’s about volume conversations, long-term partnerships, and reconnecting with Asian buyers who continue to influence global supply chains.
Matching, Networking and Staying Relevant
Beyond the aisles, APLF Leather doubles down on buyer–seller matching, curated networking sessions and a robust line-up of leather, footwear and sustainability conferences. Add trend areas showcasing cutting-edge collections and the fair becomes a live dashboard of where materials, finishes and consumer preferences are heading next.
Riding the Leather Comeback
With global tourism accelerating and luxury fashion regaining its stride, leather is enjoying a well-timed return to the spotlight. APLF 2026 arrives at the sweet spot when brands are hungry for new materials and suppliers are ready to show what innovation looks like in hides, finishes and sustainable processing.
What’s on Display? Practically Everything That Matters
From raw hides and skins (fresh to wet-salted) to semi-finished and finished leathers aniline to waxy, full-grain to stretch the product spectrum is vast. Animal sources span the familiar (cow, goat, sheep) to the exotic (python, ostrich, stingray), while fur, trimmings, machinery, chemicals and tanning technologies round out the supply ecosystem.
And with Materials+ running concurrently, expect an expanded focus on new materials and components, reinforcing APLF’s evolution beyond traditional leather into a broader materials platform.
A Truly Global Industry Roll Call
The fair’s credibility is underscored by participation from leading associations worldwide spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania. From India’s CLE and China’s CLIA to UNIC (Italy), ASSINTECAL (Brazil), LHCA (USA) and many more, APLF remains one of the few venues where the global leather industry shows up in full force no video calls, no filters, just face-to-face business.
Bottom Line
APLF Leather 2026 isn’t just another trade fair it’s where the industry tests sentiment, locks relationships and quietly sketches the blueprint for the year ahead. Miss it, and you may still catch up. Attend it and you’ll know what’s coming before the rest of the market does.
