On the Rise

Things are looking up for Nepal's leather industry. More and more locals are becoming patronizing of local leather products, usually ranging from belts and bags to shoes. When it comes to exporting though, the industry is still on its initial stages and needs more support, particularly when it comes to labor and access to animal hide.

The industry may be able to get this boost from going online, which many of them have done through their own websites or through Nepal-based sites, such as Kaymu and Neplify. Some products have even been featured in Urban Outfitters and other equally popular retail sites. Through online promotion and sales, Nepal's leather industry may just get the boost it needs.

Nepal leather product exports
While there is a demand for Nepal's leather products, most suppliers don't have enough workers to fulfill a larger quantity of orders. This is due to the caste system in Nepal, where the status of manual workers has dissuaded younger generation from learning the craft of leather-making.

Advantages and challenges
There is a great demand for leather products in Nepal, particularly footwear, which makes a 40-percent share in the local market. Orders for shoes even reach up to 35 million every year.

There are a number of factors that hinder the leather industry from breaking through. Most significantly affecting the industry is the lack of manpower, since many would rather work abroad. Because of this, many companies are urged to spend more on manpower.

Another challenge is the industry's need to import, given that cow leather is unavailable since the majority of Nepal is Hindu.

Despite these challenges however, there is optimism that the industry will improve its export sales through increased online presence and the use of buffalo leather.

See a comparison table of leather product suppliers on GlobalSources.com