International Trade
Trump backs down on Greenland tariff threat
The US has cancelled its threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries in an effort to push for US control of Greenland, following talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
Brazilian exports end 2025 on stable ground as imports continue to rise
Despite the negative impact of US tariffs on Brazilian footwear exports, the industry ended 2025 broadly stable, according to Abicalçados. Meanwhile, imports continue to rise
US threatens tariff hikes on eight European countries over Greenland dispute
President Donald Trump announced that the US plans to impose additional tariffs on imports from eight European countries, citing a dispute over Greenland as the reason
Majority of EU countries approve the Mercosur trade deal
A qualified majority of EU states have given the green light for the bloc to sign its largest free trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur, 25 years after negotiations began
Brazilian footwear exports decline in November amid rising imports
Brazilian footwear exports fell in November, with shipments to the US, its main market, continuing to decline while imports surged. The trade balance is being pressured by US tariffs and growing inflows from Asia
Portuguese tannery exports gain momentum in 2025
Portuguese tannery exports grew by 5.8% year-on-year up to September 2025, reflecting the recovery in external demand and the ongoing efforts of the sector to modernise production
Portugal maintains export growth trajectory in 2025
Data from the first nine months of the year shows that the Portuguese footwear industry is gaining ground in the main international markets, with year-on-year export increases of 3.8% in volume and 2.1% in value
Agostino Apolito (Assomac): Robotics and AI are reshaping the footwear and tanning industries
During the last edition of Simac Tanning Tech in September 2025, we spoke with Mr. Agostino Apolito, the Managing Director of the National Association of the Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leather Goods, and Tanning Technologies. Watch the interview here
Türkiye restricts footwear imports via postal and express channels over safety concerns
The Turkish Ministry of Trade has introduced new restrictions on the import of several products, including footwear, via postal and express delivery services due to safety concerns
Global footwear trade: China loses ground, US imports rise in value
Year-to-date Chinese footwear exports are down, while Vietnam and Indonesia have grown. EU exports increased modestly, with Portugal performing better than Spain and Italy. US imports increased in value
Trump floats new tariff threats amid US-China friction
An additional 100% tariff on goods from China was announced to be imposed by US President Donald Trump, as a reaction to China’s move to expand its rare earth element export controls
Japan Retail: mixed signs for the footwear sector
Sales of apparel and footwear remain sluggish, with monthly declines compared to 2024. However, while clothing prices in Japan have outpaced general inflation (which is higher than usual for the country’s economy), footwear inflation has remained relatively stable, hovering just above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target. This suggests that, while households are reducing discretionary spending, footwear is less susceptible to price volatility. Nevertheless, rising import costs and exchange rate fluctuations could alter this situation
Brazilian footwear exports decline as Chinese imports surge
While Brazilian footwear exports declined in August, mainly due to the impact of the 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Brazilian goods, imports from China surged
Italian footwear exports grow in volume but shrink in value
According to the latest data released by the Italian footwear association (Assocalzaturifici), exports grew in volume by 3.2% but decreased in value by 2.7% in the first five months of 2025
Domestic demand fuels modest growth for the German footwear industry
The German footwear industry saw a 1.3% year-on-year increase in sales in the first half, driven solely by domestic demand. Foreign sales fell by 11%, highlighting market challenges, according to HDS/L-
-
Footwear Consumer 2030
A study reflecting on the main global consumer trends and the key changes for the footwear industry.
-
World Footwear Public Calendar
Click here to subscribe an updated version of the calendar displaying the footwear trade shows.
-
-
Media Partners
Media Partners
-
MPA Style
Shoe Intelligence
SERMA
UNIT Publishing House