Italian leather is renowned worldwide for its quality and prestige, but what many don’t know is that much of the leather sold as “Italian” actually originates from other countries. Argentina, among other nations, is a key supplier of semi-finished leather that is later processed in Italy and marketed under the “Italian leather” label. This means that while the final processing takes place in Italy, the raw hides themselves are not necessarily of Italian origin.

The Global Supply of Italian Leather

Italy has a long-standing tradition in the leather industry, but it doesn’t always have enough local resources to meet the high demand for luxury products. As a result, many of the hides used to produce Italian leather come from countries like Argentina, Brazil, and India. These nations export raw or semi-finished hides to Italy, where the final tanning, dyeing, and finishing processes take place.

According to data from the International Council of Tanners, approximately 70% of the hides used in Italy are imported, including semi-finished leather from major producers like Argentina. This means that while Italian craftsmanship plays a role in the finishing process, the raw material itself originates from different parts of the world.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

For consumers, this raises an important question: Is Italian leather truly superior to that of other countries? If the hides come from Argentina or other well-known producers, what is actually being valued is the Italian finishing process rather than the inherent quality of the material itself.

This is where Argentinian leather plays a crucial role. Argentina not only exports semi-finished leather to Italy but also produces high-quality finished products without the need for external processing. This allows Argentinian leather to retain all its natural properties, offering a material that is just as soft, durable, and aesthetically refined as its Italian counterpart.

Italian Leather vs. Argentinian Leather

Argentinian leather, recognized globally for its exceptional quality, offers a finished product with the same durability and beauty as Italian leather. At Wikuna, we work exclusively with vegetable-tanned Argentinian leather, ensuring a complete process from raw material to the final product. This enables us to provide a luxury alternative without the high costs associated with international labels.

Moreover, choosing Argentinian leather means investing in a product where quality is maintained from production to the final finishing, without relying on external processes in other countries. In short, it’s a material that competes directly with any leather sold under the “Italian” name.

Conclusion

Italian leather has an undeniable reputation, but it’s essential to understand that a large portion of the hides used in its production come from countries like Argentina. At Wikuna, we take pride in offering premium Argentinian leather products that rival Italian leather in quality and craftsmanship.

If you’re looking for high-quality leather goods, we invite you to explore our Argentinian leather collection. With us, you get the same durability and elegance as Italian leather—but at a more accessible price and with the confidence that you’re purchasing a genuinely Argentinian material.