The 41st edition of the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) has opened in Hong Kong, reaffirming its status as a leading global event for the leather industry. Organized by Informa Markets, APLF continues to be a premier platform for the sector, drawing thousands of visitors each year not only from China but also from across Southeast Asia, where the demand for high-quality products is steadily increasing.

Italy is strongly represented at the fair, with over 100 companies, including 40 exhibitors grouped in the national pavilion curated by ITA - Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with the industry association Assomac.

Data confirms the fair’s strategic importance for the Italian leather industry: in 2024, Italy remained Hong Kong’s top supplier of leather processing machinery, accounting for 77.5% of total imports, a 124% increase from 2023.

During his visit to the fair, Consul General Carmelo Ficarra highlighted the positive feedback from industry professionals regarding Hong Kong’s strategic role as a key hub in Southeast Asia and its function as a gateway for “Made in Italy” products into mainland China and the wider region.