According to data released by the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), the Chinese leather sector exported goods worth $23.324 billion in 2006, an increase of 2.4% compared with $22.773 billion in 2005.

Leather shoes accounted for $8.774 billion of this total compared with $8.065 billion in 2005, while footwear components improved to $798.76 million from $618.98 million.

Figures showed a 13.31% decline in leather-related imports to $5.582 billion in 2006 compared with $6.439 billion in the previous year.