Brazil exports over 80% of its leather production, tanning more than 40 million bovine hides and 5 million hides from other animals per year, as a result of having a very traditional and recognized tanning industry and the biggest commercial cattle herd in the world. The country is one of the most important players in the leather business and has one association the reunites the majority of the tanneries to improve business, sustainability and society: the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB).

Brazilian leather is what drives CICB, the only national representative entity in the leather sector. Founded in 1957, CICB works in the promotion, defense and growth of the Brazilian tanning industry in the domestic and international markets.

To fulfill its purpose, the CICB works with its associates on professional qualification, sustainability, design and commercial projects. The entity publishes market intelligence analyzes, conducts communication campaigns, surveys and organizes information that supports the strategy of companies of all sizes. Regarding the defense of leather, the focus is to reduce bureaucratic issues and supporting business.

Along with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brazil), the CICB promotes the Brazilian Leather project. Through this initiative, it is possible to develop some strategies for consolidating national leathers and hides in foreign markets. For example: we encourage the participation of tanneries in the main global trade fairs and business missions focused on closer relations between Brazilian suppliers and buyers from other countries. The Brazilian Leather project also promotes initiatives linked to design and trends (matching fashion consultants and tanneries), holds communication channels to spread the values of leather for as many people as possible (not only the industry players, but also final product consumers) and has the sustainability as one of its main subject matters.