ENA Sectors 2025-10-07 16:41:31 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Oct 7 (KNN)</strong> NITI Aayog released the fourth edition of the Trade Watch Quarterly for the January March quarter (Q4) of FY 2024 25, offering an in-depth assessment of Indias trade performance, evolving global demand trends, and opportunities for export diversification. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The report also highlights that Indias leather and footwear sector employs 4.4 million people and plays a significant role in exports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">While India maintains competitiveness in processed leather and niche apparel, its share in the USD 296 billion global market remains modest at 1.8 percent. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">With global demand shifting toward non-leather and sustainable products, the report identifies the need to strengthen MSMEs, enhance R&amp;D investments, and align production with green and design-driven value chains to boost global competitiveness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The report was launched by B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The latest edition underscores the need for India to expand into high-demand global markets while sustaining growth in key export-oriented sectors. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">It also features a special focus on the leather and footwear industry, assessing its employment potential, export competitiveness, and scope for integrating into global value chains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">During Q4 of FY 2024 25, Indias total trade stood at USD 441 billion, reflecting a 2.2 percent year-on-year increase. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Merchandise exports recorded a modest contraction due to lower shipments of mineral fuels and organic chemicals, though exports of electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, and cereals posted healthy gains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Imports rose slightly, driven by increased demand for nuclear reactors, electrical machinery, and inorganic chemicals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Regionally, North America emerged as Indias strongest export market, expanding by 25 percent and accounting for one-fourth of total exports. In contrast, exports to the European Union, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and ASEAN markets moderated. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">On the import front, the United Arab Emirates overtook Russia as Indias second-largest supplier, supported by higher gold inflows under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), while imports from China surged, led by electronics demand.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 43725 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/indias-share-in-the-usd-296-bn-global-leather-footwear-market-stands-at-12-despite-competitiveness 2025-10-07 16:41:31 knnindia.co.in