Hong Kong 14th Mar: The global leather industry hit “reset mode” in Hong Kong as APLF Leather & Materials 2026 wrapped up a high-energy three-day run from March 12–14 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Positioned as one of the most influential trade platforms for leather, materials, and components across footwear, bags, and fashion accessories, this year’s edition carried a sharp and timely theme: “The Great Reset of the Leather Industry.”And if there was ever a year that needed a reset, this might just be it. APLF 2026 brought together a diverse mix of exhibitors, buyers, and industry bodies from across the world. A standout participation came from UNIC Italian Tanneries, presenting a strong delegation of 44 companies.

The fair also doubled down on business outcomes. The much-talked-about business matching programme clocked nearly 1,000 meetings, with over 90 buyers from 65+ countries participating effectively turning networking into deal-making at scale.

Innovation Takes Centre Stage

Beyond the show floor, APLF leaned heavily into future-facing conversations. From NextGen Fashion Materials Tech Talks to seminars hosted by global industry associations, discussions ranged from sustainability and compliance to design innovation and pricing strategies. One of the key product highlights came from Coats, which showcased advanced materials from its Lifestyle Solutions portfolio, including Coats Aquiline a durable, thermo-adhesive filler designed for premium leather goods and luxury accessories. “APLF continues to be a vital platform for discovering new materials, trends and global sourcing opportunities. This year, we saw a strong emphasis on design innovation and sustainable solutions, which aligns well with the evolving expectations of the Indian consumer and international markets.” Alok Prakash, Director, Eltus Mode (Pierre Cardin India)

“The scale and diversity at APLF 2026 were impressive, with a noticeable shift towards commercially viable, trend-forward products. For large-format retail like ours, the fair offered valuable insights into upcoming materials and styles that can seamlessly translate into the Indian mass premium segment.”Deepu Virmani, Reliance Trends

“APLF 2026 was highly productive in terms of both sourcing and relationship-building. There is a clear momentum towards quality enhancement and global competitiveness among Indian manufacturers. The exposure to international standards and innovations will play a key role in shaping our future collections.” Saurabh Lamba, Director, Lamba Footwear

Supply Chains & Regulations

While optimism was visible, the undertone was cautious. Industry players flagged continued uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, and disruptions in critical shipping corridors like the Strait of Hormuz. Add to that the tightening grip of sustainability regulations especially the EU’s deforestation rules and you get a sector that’s innovating fast, but watching its step.

“APLF 2026 reaffirmed Asia’s position as the epicentre of innovation and sourcing in the leather and materials industry. What stood out this year was the growing confidence among Indian exhibitors not just in scale, but in sustainability and their ability to cater to global demand. The conversations were more strategic, more future-focused and clearly aligned with long-term partnerships.” Dipika Chopra, Founder Director, Shoes & Accessories 

India’s Presence: Positive but Pragmatic

Indian exhibitors reported encouraging buyer engagement and reaffirmed APLF’s importance as a gateway to international markets. However, many maintained a pragmatic outlook, citing ongoing volatility in global trade conditions.

“Indian companies showcased remarkable progress in product development and finishing, positioning themselves competitively against global benchmarks. The quality of buyers and the seriousness of business discussions indicate a promising pipeline for exports in the coming seasons.” Amit Chopra, Managing Director, ACDC Group

The next edition is already locked in for March 31 – April 2, 2027, in Hong Kong.