China’s PU and PVC Synthetic Leather Exports Grew in H1 2026, While Average Prices Continued to Fall
China’s artificial and synthetic leather exports expanded in both volume and value during the first half of 2026, but lower average prices show that competition remains intense across global supply chains.
Excerpt: China’s artificial and synthetic leather exports expanded in both volume and value during the first half of 2026, but lower average prices show that competition remains intense across global supply chains.
Export Volume Increased Faster Than Export Value
According to recently released customs data cited by industry sources, China exported 728 million meters of artificial and synthetic leather in the first half of 2026. This was higher than the 643 million meters exported in the same period of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.19%.
Export value also moved upward. In H1 2026, China’s artificial and synthetic leather exports reached USD 1.499 billion, up 4.48% year on year.
Year-on-year change: +13.19%
The two figures point in the same direction: overseas demand remained active. However, the pricing picture was weaker. The average export price for the sector was USD 2.06 per meter, down 7.67% from the previous year.
For overseas buyers, this means Chinese supply remained abundant and competitive. For manufacturers and exporters, it also shows that volume growth did not fully translate into stronger unit profitability.
PU Synthetic Leather Led Category Growth
By product category, PU synthetic leather continued to grow faster than PVC artificial leather.
In the first half of 2026, China exported 415 million meters of PU synthetic leather, an increase of 14.58% year on year. PU leather accounted for nearly 57% of total industry export volume.
PVC artificial leather also maintained steady growth. Export volume reached 301 million meters, up 11.88% year on year.
This product mix suggests that overseas demand is gradually shifting toward materials with wider application scenarios and higher added value. PU synthetic leather is widely used in footwear, bags, furniture, automotive interiors, sports goods, and consumer products where softer hand feel, flexible finishing, and broader design options are required.
PVC artificial leather remains important, especially in price-sensitive applications such as decoration leather, work protection products, furniture surfaces, and basic upholstery materials.
Main Export Provinces Remained Stable
China’s leading export provinces did not change significantly in the first half of 2026. The top five provinces by export scale were Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Fujian.
These provinces remain the main production and export bases for artificial leather and synthetic leather. Their advantages come from established supply chains, experienced factories, coating and finishing capacity, access to ports, and long-term relationships with overseas buyers.
Southeast Asia Was the Core Growth Market
The top ten export destinations in H1 2026 were Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Egypt, Brazil, Bangladesh, Mexico, Nigeria, and Thailand.
Southeast Asia was the most important demand region. Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand continued to absorb large volumes of PU and PVC leather. Local footwear, furniture, and leather goods factories are still benefiting from global manufacturing transfer, which supports stable demand for Chinese materials.
Another practical factor is logistics. Southeast Asian routes remained relatively smooth and were less affected by geopolitical disruption around Middle East shipping channels. This helped keep the region attractive for exporters during the first half of the year.
South Asia Continued to Expand
India and Bangladesh also showed strong market potential.
Both countries have growing light manufacturing sectors, including footwear, bags, furniture, protective goods, and low-to-mid-range consumer products. Demand for cost-effective PVC decorative leather and workwear-related leather materials continued to rise.
For Chinese suppliers, these markets are not only volume markets. They are also important for long-term customer development, especially where buyers need stable supply, fast sampling, and flexible specifications.
North Africa, Latin America, and Africa Added Diversified Demand
Egypt, Brazil, Mexico, and Nigeria were also among the top ten destinations.
These markets bring demand from furniture, interior decoration, outdoor products, bags, footwear, and industrial applications. Their role is different from Southeast Asia: they help exporters reduce dependence on a single region and create additional growth channels outside the main Asian manufacturing hubs.
For suppliers, this makes market diversification more important. A customer base spread across Southeast Asia, South Asia, North Africa, Latin America, and Africa can reduce risk when freight, exchange rates, or local demand changes in one region.
What This Means for Buyers and Suppliers
The H1 2026 data shows a market with clear volume growth but tighter pricing pressure.
For buyers, China remains a strong sourcing base for PU and PVC leather materials, especially when stable supply, broad product options, and competitive prices are required.
For suppliers, the main challenge is no longer only getting orders. It is improving product structure, controlling cost, and building stronger customer relationships in growing markets.
PU synthetic leather is likely to remain the key growth category, while PVC artificial leather will continue to serve practical, price-sensitive applications. Exporters that can offer consistent quality, customized surface finishes, reliable delivery, and market-specific product recommendations will be better positioned in the second half of 2026.