India to USA · sector guide
Exporting leather goods and footwear from India to the USA
The US imported $1.24B of leather goods and footwear from India in 2025, 3.2% of its imports of the main products in this sector. Bags, wallets, belts, leather garments and footwear, mainly from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
- US imports from India, 2025
- $1.24B
- Jan–Aug 2026 vs last year
- -14.9%
- India's share
- 3.2%
- Average duty paid
- 25.1%
- Shipped by sea
- 84%
Five-year trend
US imports of leather goods and footwear from India
Jan–Aug 2026: $721M, down 14.9% on the same months last year.
Top products
What the US buys most
| Product | HS | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Bags, Luggage & Cases | 4202 | $424M |
| Leather Footwear | 6403 | $372M |
| Leather Apparel & Accessories | 4203 | $226M |
| Rubber & Plastic Footwear | 6402 | $78.5M |
| Saddlery & Pet Accessories | 4201 | $53.3M |
| Footwear with Textile Uppers | 6404 | $46.3M |
| Leather Articles | 4205 | $26.6M |
US ports
Where it enters the US
| US port | Share |
|---|---|
| Newark, NJ | 25.6% |
| Los Angeles, CA | 19.9% |
| Savannah, GA | 15.6% |
| New York, NY | 5.2% |
| JFK International Airport, NY | 4.4% |
| Norfolk-Newport News, VA | 4.2% |
Requirements
US rules for leather goods and footwear
- CBPGoods and their retail packaging must show the country of origin in English, for example "Made in India".
- USFWSProducts made from exotic or wild animal skins need US Fish and Wildlife Service clearance; ordinary cattle and goat leather does not.
- CBPAn Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
On the Indian side
- Register with the Council for Leather Exports.
Packing and shipping
- Ship in dry containers with moisture control; leather can mould on a long, humid voyage.
Questions
Leather Goods and Footwear from India to the USA: FAQs
How much leather goods and footwear does the US import from India?
$1.24B in 2025, led by bags, luggage & cases, leather footwear, leather apparel & accessories. Jan–Aug 2026: $721M, down 14.9% on the same months last year.
What US rules apply to leather goods and footwear from India?
CBP: Goods and their retail packaging must show the country of origin in English, for example "Made in India". USFWS: Products made from exotic or wild animal skins need US Fish and Wildlife Service clearance; ordinary cattle and goat leather does not. CBP: An Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
What do Indian exporters of leather goods and footwear need to do?
Register with the Council for Leather Exports.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau international trade data (general imports, and duty calculated on imports for consumption), 2021–2025 and Jan–Aug 2026. Requirements summarised for guidance; check the agency rules for your exact product.
Exporting leather goods and footwear to the USA?
Atmavaan books the container, handles the export paperwork and can file the ISF and clear US customs for your buyer.
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