The principal industry is the tanning and leather trade.
The chief exports are chestnut extract for tanning, cedrates, citrons, oranges, early vegetables, fish, copper ore and antimony ore.
As a general rule, tanning is never a good idea.
Varese is the seat of active silkspinning, tanning, paper-making and the manufacture of organs and vehicles.
The industries include iron-founding, tanning, and the manufacture of machines, tobacco and gloves.