Leather and Hide Council of America

The merger was of two U.S.’ oldest industry associations, the United States Hide, Skin and Leather Association, founded in 1979, and the Leather Industries of America, founded in 1917.

The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) was established in 2020 following the merger of two of the U.S.’ oldest industry associations, the United States Hide, Skin and Leather Association, founded in 1979, and the Leather Industries of America, founded in 1917. The result was a powerful new voice for the sector, a trade body representing the interests of some 77 member companies, large and small, ranging from meat packers and hide processors, to leather tanners and finished leather goods producers, in the US and around the world.

The LHCA is a full-service industry trade association. The association provides its members with government, public relations, and international trade assistance and support. LHCA is a cooperator organization under the US Department of Agriculture’s foreign market development and market access programs, assisting US firms to develop new markets for agricultural exports and to provide the insights and support services necessary for success.

In addition to promoting the quality of US-sourced products, we also lead the way working to establish and promote best practices in leather production, to set new international standards in sustainability and traceability, and to promote those values to stakeholders around the world. LHCA is at the forefront of the industry’s needs, providing the industry and stakeholders with education and technical information to compete in today’s global marketplace.