Why Tamil Nadu ?
Innovation DNA
Sectors
Automobile, Auto Components & EV
Electronics
Semiconductors
Textile, Apparel & Technical Textiles
IT & ITeS
GCC & R&D
Aerospace & Defence
Food Processing
Leather & Footwear
Renewable Energy
Heavy Engineering
Light Engineering
Life Sciences
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Railway
Shipbuilding
Data Centre
Gems & Jewellery
Toys
Furniture
Tourism & Hospitality
Industrial Parks
Tamil Nadu has long been a hub for leather goods and has steadily evolved into a high-potential destination for non-leather footwear manufacturing. Recognising the sector’s strong growth prospects and future scalability, the state has developed significant capabilities to attract global investments across non-leather footwear and component manufacturing. Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to identify the strategic importance of this industry and to formalise its vision through the Tamil Nadu Footwear & Leather Products Policy 2022. Reflecting this proactive approach, several leading global footwear manufacturers—supplying internationally renowned brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Skechers—have chosen Tamil Nadu as their preferred investment destination.
India's largest footwear manufacturing ecosystem with strong leather clusters and a growing non-leather base (PU, EVA, rubber, knit), enabling scalable and diversified production.
Deep and experienced workforce supported by specialised institutions such as CLRI, CFTI, and FDDI, with export-ready clusters supplying premium global markets.
Strategic coastal access, major ports, and well-developed industrial corridors ensure excellent domestic and international connectivity.
Access to India's 1.4+ billion consumer market and 100+ global export markets, supported by strong R&D capabilities, IIT Madras Research Park, a large engineering talent pipeline, and continuous industry-led upskilling.
Tamil Nadu accounts for 60% of India's leather processing capacity and 45% of national footwear exports, producing 38% of India's footwear output and providing employment to 1.5 million people, with women forming the majority of the workforce.
Dedicated footwear policy that lowers investment and employment thresholds, ensuring incentives for both large manufacturers and smaller component units to strengthen the footwear manufacturing ecosystem.
Dedicated footwear clusters in Perambalur, Panapakkam, Ariyalur, and Kallakurichi support non-leather footwear and component manufacturing, while the Ranipet-Ambur-Vaniyambadi cluster serves leather footwear production. Shovel-ready sites with locations spaced approximately 50 km apart to minimise labour competition.
Leading global brands source their footwear from Tamil Nadu, including Clarks, Versace, NEXT, Hugo Boss, Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Prada, Coach, Zara, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more international premium brands.
Dah Sheng
Hong FuFen TayFeng TayPou ChenDean ShoesPei Hai
Tamil nadu Footwear and leather Products Policy 2022
Pradeep R
pradeep@investtn.in
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