The study was conducted by the consulting firm Gherzi on behalf of VDMA TFL and analyzes the development prospects of the European footwear and leather machinery industry through 2045.

“The future of European footwear and leather technology will largely depend on how successfully companies combine automation, digitalization and new business models,” said Elgar Straub, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies. “The study identifies where the greatest opportunities for innovation and growth lie and highlights the strategic decisions companies need to take today.”

Technological innovation as the key to competitiveness

The study conducted by Gherzi examines the long-term development of the footwear manufacturing, automotive interior and leather goods markets. Key focus areas include automation solutions, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and new data- and service-based business models.

The analysis shows that European manufacturers can strengthen their competitiveness in the future, particularly through technological leadership, specialization, and high customer value. At the same time, connected production systems and digital services along the value chain are becoming increasingly important.

Changing markets create new opportunities

In addition to traditional application fields, the study identifies further growth potential in adjacent markets such as automotive interiors and leather goods. At the same time, changing customer requirements, shorter innovation cycles and the increasing digitalization of manufacturing processes are raising demands on machinery suppliers.

Future success will require integrated solutions that intelligently combine machinery, software, data and services.

Growing international competitive pressure

The study also shows that global competitive conditions have changed significantly in recent years. For European machinery manufacturers, speed of innovation, quality, application expertise and customer proximity are becoming decisive differentiators.

Companies that successfully combine traditional engineering expertise with digital technologies and automation solutions are well positioned to strengthen their competitive position over the long term.

Current VDMA TFL economic data

The latest economic data from VDMA TFL indicates a positive market development. Between August 2025 and July 2026, order intake increased by 5.5 percent in real terms compared to the previous year, while sales grew by 5.4 percent. In the three-month period from May to July 2026, order intake was 14.3 percent above the previous year's level, while sales increased by 26.1 percent.

On the global market for footwear and leather technology, China remained by far the largest supplier in 2025, with exports totaling €454.1 million, followed by Italy with €245.6 million. Germany recorded exports of €51.1 million, remaining almost at the level of the previous year.

The most important export market for Italian footwear and leather technology in 2025 was China, with imports worth €25.5 million, followed by France (€20.8 million), as well as Spain and the United States, each accounting for around €16.7 million. German exports were primarily destined for the United States (€10.9 million) and Mexico (€6.8 million). Other important markets included France, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.