Middle East & Africa Leather for Automotive Seats Market Report (2021-2031) by Scope, Segmentation, Dynamics, and Competitive Analysis

The leather market for automotive seats in the Middle East and Africa is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 2,652.32 million by 2031, up from US$ 2,096.67 million in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

According to Fastener World Inc, the automotive sectors in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel have seen remarkable sales growth exceeding 20% in their 2024 annual reports. In Africa, despite its smaller market size, production surpassed one million units, with a year-on-year growth of 15% in 2024. South Africa and Morocco emerged as the leading automobile producers, manufacturing over 600,000 and 500,000 vehicles, respectively. Turkey also reported a substantial sales increase of over 55%, with nearly 1.3 million units sold. This surge in vehicle sales across the Middle East and Africa is expected to drive the demand for leather used in automotive seating.

The automotive sector's expansion, driven by increased vehicle production, technological advancements, and a growing consumer preference for luxury and comfort, is significantly boosting the leather market for automotive seats. Car manufacturers prioritize high-quality interiors, which enhances the demand for durable and aesthetically pleasing leather materials across all vehicle types. For example, Renault Group Morocco reported a production increase of 15.3% in 2022, producing 50,000 vehicles in its Tangier and Casablanca factories. The market is evolving due to rising passenger vehicle production, population growth, and increasing middle-class incomes in the region.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The Middle East and Africa leather for automotive seats market can be segmented by type and vehicle category.

By Type: The market is divided into genuine leather and artificial leather, with genuine leather holding a larger market share in 2024. The artificial leather segment includes subcategories such as polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride.
By Vehicle Type: The market is categorized into passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, and others, with passenger cars dominating the market share in 2024.

Market Outlook

Luxury vehicles are characterized by superior comfort and high-quality materials, with leather seats being a hallmark of premium interiors. Leather significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of vehicle interiors, contributing to a refined ambiance. Consumers often associate leather seats with sophistication and exclusivity, aligning with the luxury vehicle image. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for stylish, high-quality automotive interiors.

To meet this demand, many luxury automotive manufacturers incorporate leather seats to enhance their vehicles' appeal. Brands like Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG utilize 100% genuine leather for their seats, while others like Audi AG, BMW AG, and Lexus offer both genuine and synthetic leather options. These brands are experiencing increased sales in various developed and emerging markets.

Additionally, the rising disposable income among high-net-worth individuals in emerging markets, such as India, is fueling the demand for luxury vehicles. Consequently, luxury automotive brands are expanding their presence in these markets to strengthen their positions, further driving the demand for leather in automotive seating.

Country Insights

The Middle East and Africa leather for automotive seats market includes countries such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Morocco, and others. South Africa held the largest market share in 2024.

Automakers favor leather for automotive seats due to its high-end appearance and durability, enhancing the vehicle's perceived value. Leather is long-lasting, easy to clean, and provides superior comfort and temperature control. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), South Africa's automobile production rose by 24% to 555,889 units in 2022. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) reported a 7.6% increase in domestic new vehicle sales in June 2022. The South Africa Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) 2021–2035 aims to produce 1.4 million vehicles annually by 2035, with significant investments in the automotive sector expected to boost the leather for automotive seats market.

Company Profiles

Key players in the leather for automotive seats market include San Fang Chemical Industrial Co Ltd, Mayur Uniquoters Limited, Nan Ya Plastics Corp, FILWEL Co., Ltd., Kolon Industries Inc, BASF SE, Kuraray Co Ltd, Teijin Ltd, Toray Industries Inc, Covestro AG, Wollsdorf Leder Schmidt & Co Ges.m.b.H., Curtidos Treviño S.A. de C.V., Wickett-Craig, Super Tannery Ltd., and Elmo Sweden AB. These companies are employing various strategies, including expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to enhance their market presence and offer innovative products.

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