ACLE’s 26th edition is scheduled to take place at the New International Expo Centre in Pudong, Shanghai, from September 1-3, 2026. 

The last three editions of ACLE have witnessed record visitor numbers, with over 32,000 attendees at the event in 2025. With an estimated 1,000 exhibitors, the 2026 exhibition will span 80,500 square meters across seven halls at the exhibition center. 

Despite geopolitical uncertainty and subdued leather demand in 2025, steady progress has been made in recruiting exhibitors for this year’s exhibition. Interest has been expressed by tanners, chemical product suppliers, and machinery manufacturers, primarily from the main manufacturing provinces of China. 

The organising partners of APLF Limited, the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), predict a robust performance from the China leather industry in 2026, despite somewhat disappointing overall results in 2025. 

For instance, both import and export figures experienced a year-on-year decline, with sales revenue decreasing by 13.1% compared to 2024. However, export revenues reached USD 83 billion, marking a 10% decrease but still surpassing the performance of close competitors. China remains a key market for various types of leather, presenting significant export opportunities for Western suppliers across the leather supply chain. 

In its recent report, CLIA highlights the automotive sector as a growing opportunity for finished leather suppliers. With vehicle sales in China exceeding 33 million units in 2025 and an estimated 20% featuring leather interiors, alongside upholstery, this segment presents a crucial demand for leather. 

ACLE provides participants with the chance to connect with existing clients, establish new contacts, and network with industry peers. ACLE serves as a valuable source of information for making informed business decisions and shaping future strategies. 

The trade fair is complemented by a series of concurrent events related to international and domestic industries, making ACLE an indispensable event for leather professionals and stakeholders. It stands out as a premier business platform for China’s expansive leather sector and is poised to revitalize activity in the third quarter of 2026. 

The information in this press release can be complemented by the CLIA report that will be presented during this press conference. For additional details, please visit www.aclechina.com.