Core Insights - The article discusses the recent online frenzy surrounding historical claims about the Qing Dynasty, particularly focusing on the identity of Emperor Qianlong's father, which has led to a surge in interest in Haining, Zhejiang, known for its leather market [1][2][4] Group 1: Haining Leather City - Haining Leather City is a significant hub for autumn and winter fashion in East China, with a history dating back to 1994, and has evolved from a wholesale market to a major retail destination [6][8][41] - The market spans over one million square meters and is recognized as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, offering a wide range of leather products at various price points [8][10] - The local perception of Haining Leather City is that it is essential for anyone in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions to visit during the autumn and winter seasons [8][10] Group 2: Cultural and Economic Impact - The leather city has become a cultural phenomenon, where bargaining is not just a transaction but a social event, engaging customers in a complex interplay of psychology and performance [22][25][26] - Haining's leather industry is a significant contributor to the national market, with 53 large-scale leather enterprises projected to achieve a combined output value of 4.319 billion yuan and revenue of 4.527 billion yuan in 2024 [41][43] - The city has adapted to market changes by embracing online sales, with 2023 online sales nearing 20 billion yuan, showcasing its resilience and innovation in the face of industry challenges [43][47] Group 3: Historical Context and Future Prospects - Haining's leather industry began its rapid development in 1992, supported by local government policies that encouraged both collective and private enterprises [45] - Despite facing challenges such as declining raw material prices and environmental controversies, Haining Leather City has successfully transformed by introducing new styles and leveraging live-streaming sales [47][49] - The emotional connection of local residents to Haining Leather City reflects a blend of pride and critique, indicating its complex role in the local economy and culture [49][50]

Core Viewpoint - The leather industry in China is focusing on high-quality development through high-end, intelligent, and green initiatives, as outlined in the "14th Five-Year Plan" for the industry [1] Group 1: Industry Development Strategy - The "14th Five-Year Plan" will serve as a guiding document for the industry's development over the next five years, emphasizing systematic innovation for comprehensive ecological upgrades [1] - The industry is encouraged to build confidence and find breakthroughs in structural optimization and innovation-driven approaches amidst a complex international environment and evolving domestic consumption [1] - Collaborative innovation is essential, with a shift from scale competition to value competition, focusing on materials, processes, green manufacturing, and digitalization [1] Group 2: Environmental Initiatives - Many leather companies are accelerating their efforts in integrating green and intelligent practices, moving from end-of-pipe treatment to systematic innovation in environmental management [2] - Longfeng Company has invested 150 million yuan in a wastewater treatment project with a daily processing capacity of 40,000 tons, expected to be operational by 2026, showcasing a model for green manufacturing [2] - The industry is transitioning to a comprehensive, systematic, and engineering-based environmental management model, laying a solid foundation for pollution reduction and carbon neutrality [2] Group 3: Technological Innovation - Technological innovation is a core driver of green development, shifting from end-of-pipe control to quality enhancement [3] - Research on precise identification and solutions for leather odor has led to the development of a new odor removal agent that significantly reduces key odor compounds without affecting physical properties [3] - This innovation marks a transition from passive compliance to proactive quality improvement, enhancing product experience and market acceptance [3] Group 4: Digital Transformation - The industry is transitioning from automation to intelligent and smart manufacturing, with data collection and model optimization improving efficiency in key processes [4] - Digitalization is not only a tool for quality and cost reduction but also a core support for green manufacturing [4] - The future development of the leather industry will focus on value creation, technological breakthroughs, intelligent manufacturing, and systematic environmental governance, aiming for a high-end, sustainable, and internationally competitive modern leather industry [4]

Core Insights - The leather industry in China is facing challenges with a decline in revenue and profit in the first half of 2025, with total revenue at 394.98 billion yuan, down 1.2% year-on-year, and total profit at 15.78 billion yuan, down 8.7% [1] - The export and import totals for the leather industry have also decreased, with exports at 43.23 billion USD, down 7.8%, and imports at 7.53 billion USD, down 13.6% [1] - The industry is undergoing a digital transformation, focusing on high-quality development through smart and green initiatives, as emphasized by industry leaders [2] Industry Performance - In the first half of 2025, the leather, fur, feather, and footwear industries reported a total revenue of 394.98 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 1.2% [1] - The total profit for the same period was 15.78 billion yuan, which is an 8.7% decline compared to the previous year [1] - The total import and export value of the leather industry has been shrinking, with a trade surplus of 35.7 billion USD, down 6.5% year-on-year, accounting for 6.1% of the national trade surplus [1] Digital Transformation and Future Outlook - The leather industry is entering a new phase characterized by platformization and ecological digital transformation, with a focus on chain transformation and integration of various sectors [2] - Industry leaders highlight the importance of leveraging national policies, new retail models, and technological innovation to accelerate the transition towards high-end, intelligent, and green development [2] - The industry is seen as having a long-term positive outlook despite current challenges, with a complete and well-supported supply chain [2]

Core Insights - The new genuine leather logo represents a milestone in the industry, emphasizing technology, innovation, consumer interaction, and alignment with international markets [1][2][3] - The introduction of the new logo is supported by the release of group standards for genuine leather product management, enhancing the scientific and effective management of these products [2] - The genuine leather logo is recognized as a certification trademark, ensuring that products are made from natural top-grain leather or fur, are of high quality, and come with good after-sales service [3] Industry Developments - The new logo incorporates a patented anti-counterfeiting technology that allows consumers to verify product authenticity through a unique code, addressing the demand for transparency and traceability [1][2] - The new standards for ecological leather products set higher thresholds for companies, requiring them to establish traceability systems and adhere to stricter chemical content controls, promoting the use of green materials [2] - China is the largest producer, exporter, and consumer of leather globally, with a complete industrial chain but lacking world-renowned brands; the new logo aims to better meet market trends and consumer demands [3]