The number of employees in the leather products industry in the US is forecasted to decrease significantly from 21.0 thousand in 2024 to 16.0 thousand by 2028. This represents a year-on-year decrease of 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, 5.3% from 2025 to 2026, 5.6% from 2026 to 2027, and 5.9% from 2027 to 2028. Over the last five years, this industry is expected to contract at a CAGR of approximately 6.7% annually.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of automation and technological innovations in manufacturing processes, shifts in consumer demand towards sustainable and cruelty-free products, and potential changes in trade policies affecting leather imports and exports. Monitoring these trends will be essential for anticipating further changes in employment within this sector.