从部分皮革企业“欣欣向荣”看传统产业生命力

Industry Overview - The leather industry is a traditional sector in China, which is the largest producer, exporter, and consumer of leather globally. The industry faces significant challenges due to changing consumer trends, raw material price fluctuations, rising labor costs, and increasing environmental pressures [1][8]. Decline of Traditional Leather Factories - In Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, a key leather manufacturing base, the industry peaked in the 1990s with around 200 enterprises and tens of thousands of employees, forming a trillion-yuan industrial cluster. However, the number of factories has drastically decreased to about ten from over a hundred [2][3]. - The decline is attributed to multiple factors, including environmental regulations classifying leather as a "heavily polluting industry," reduced orders from Western markets, and a lack of interest from the younger generation in continuing family businesses [3][4]. Struggles of Remaining Factories - Remaining factories in the region report significant drops in business, with some experiencing over a 70% reduction in foreign orders compared to peak levels. Many are now focusing on domestic markets and developing new products to survive [4][5]. Resilience of Some Leather Companies - Despite the overall decline, some leather companies in Jiangmen are thriving. For instance, Yixing Leather Co., a Sino-American joint venture, has maintained stable growth by focusing on quality and market adaptation, benefiting from a strong international client base [5][6]. - Another example is Bawei Leather Factory, a German-funded enterprise that has shown healthy growth, with an annual output value exceeding 400 million yuan and tax contributions of nearly 30 million yuan [6]. Diversification and Adaptation Strategies - Some domestic companies are adopting diversification strategies to navigate the industry's challenges. For example, Zhujiang Industrial Co. has expanded its product range and established itself as a key player in high-end leather production [7]. The Value of Traditional Industries - Industry experts argue that traditional industries like leather should not be dismissed as "low-end" but rather recognized for their resilience and potential for transformation. The leather industry continues to play a significant role in economic value creation and employment [8][10]. - The shift in consumer preferences towards leather products in automotive and aviation sectors indicates that the overall market for leather remains stable, despite declines in traditional uses [9][10]. Future Directions - The industry must adapt to new consumer trends and enhance technological capabilities, brand value, and international competitiveness. There is a call for government support to nurture these traditional sectors rather than pushing them towards obsolescence [9][10].