The atmosphere at one such event – the 11th All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) held over three days in Shanghai at the beginning of September – was described as ‘buzzing’. Delegates crowded into the show to meet more than 800 companies representing tanners, leather traders and tannery suppliers from some 36 different countries, including Brazil, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey. Organised by APLF and the China Leather Industry Association, the event was held concurrently with finished-product shows China International Footwear Fair (CIFF) and Moda Shanghai.
“The enthusiasm at ACLE was tremendous,” said SATRA’s Alan Drage, who attended the event with members of the SATRA China office.
“I have seen a definite improvement in the attitude of visitors to this and other major exhibitions recently. A greater level of actual trading was done on the show days, as well as increased opportunities for future business.”
Companies exhibiting at ACLE showcased raw materials – including hides and skins, as well as semi-finished and finished leather – in addition to process chemicals, tanning machinery, synthetic leatherlike materials, shoemaking machinery and CAD/CAM systems. Speaking on the opening day of ACLE, Su Chao Ying, Secretary General of the China Leather Industry, said that since May, orders have begun to increase for both raw materials and finished goods, with many companies appearing to be refilling their depleted stocks.
Another recent trade show producing encouraging news for the footwear and leather industries was the MICAM ShoEvent in Milan, organised by the Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association (ANCI).
“Considering the still negative economic context,” said ANCI President Vito Artioli, “attendance by 39,857 visitors, a figure that includes 20,644 from overseas, is a good confidence booster for the sector.”
This autumn 2009 edition of MICAM ShoEvent saw participation by 1,601 companies, 589 of which were from outside Italy, showcasing collections for spring/summer 2010.
