Hong Kong — The 42nd edition of the Asia-Pacific Leather Fair (APLF), the leading Asian trade exhibition dedicated to the international leather supply chain and organized by Informa Markets, has opened in Hong Kong.
Among the 19 national pavilions, the Italian presence stands out with a collective exhibition supported by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) in cooperation with Assomac, featuring 35 companies producing machinery for leather processing. Also prominent is the pavilion promoted by UNIC – Concerie Italiane, where more than 50 brands are presenting the latest innovations in high-end Italian leather production.
As one of the world’s most active commercial hubs, Hong Kong offers privileged access to the markets of China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Each year, APLF attracts thousands of industry professionals and represents an important showcase for Italian companies seeking to strengthen business ties in one of the most dynamic regions in the world.
In recent years, the local market has shown a growing preference for high-quality, sustainable and innovative products—segments in which Made in Italy continues to be widely recognized as a benchmark.
According to the latest statistical analyses of international trade in machinery for the tanning industry, Hong Kong’s imports reached approximately USD 1.64 million in 2025, down from nearly USD 3 million recorded in 2024. Despite the overall slowdown in the market, Italy remains among the leading suppliers, with a market share of around 27.7%. At the same time, exports from several Asian countries have increased significantly, particularly from China, Vietnam and South Korea.
The Italian Pavilion hosts 35 companies across a total exhibition area of 390 square metres. Italian firms are also featured on the digital platform Sample Room, developed by the organizers, which allows participants to schedule online meetings and will remain active for a full year, offering additional opportunities for business engagement.
The Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong, Carmelo Ficarra, who attended the opening of the fair, met with representatives of the Italian companies and noted that the event has become a well-established fixture. He underlined that the fair provides significant visibility for companies in the sector and highlights the craftsmanship and innovation of Made in Italy, while reaffirming Hong Kong’s central role in the region as a hub for trade promotion and commercial exchange.
