World
Early Easter boosts UK retail sales but clothing and footwear lag
The early Easter resulted in stronger-than-expected growth in UK retail sales in March. However, this masked the ongoing weakness of discretionary categories, particularly clothing and footwear
US Retail: footwear under pressure as retail holds
Although overall sales remained stable in 2025, performance within the fashion sector was mixed, with clothing outperforming the far more volatile footwear segment. At the same time, weakening consumer sentiment persisted despite easing monetary policy, signalling growing uncertainty. This is particularly evident in footwear imports, which reversed sharply after a strong start to the year and declined alongside retail sales, even as import prices continued to rise. The combination of falling volumes and higher costs points to a sector increasingly squeezed by soft demand and ongoing supply-side issues
Join the 14th edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey
The WorldFootwear.com is asking all experts within the footwear industry to share their views on the current business situation. Join the new edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey. WE WANT TO HEAR YOU!
EU and Australia conclude negotiations on free trade agreement
The European Union (EU) and Australia concluded negotiations in March on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at boosting trade and strengthening supply chains
EU-Mercosur trade deal set for provisional application from May 1
The EU-Mercosur interim trade agreement is set to be provisionally applied from the 1st of May, despite objections from certain member states and requests for clarification from the European Parliament. We have asked industry representatives from both sides of the Atlantic to comment
UK Retail: fashion retail grows, but caution persists
Sales in the UK’s textile, clothing, and footwear (TCF) sector recovered in 2025, exceeding total retail figures despite periods of volatility. However, this recovery was driven more by increased transaction volumes than by higher consumer spending, with expenditure on footwear remaining largely unchanged and prices declining amid persistent discounts. At the same time, volatile yet growing online sales and increasingly responsive import patterns suggest that the sector is trying to adapt quickly to uncertain demand
Portuguese Shoes featured in Nespresso campaign with Dua Lipa
Portuguese footwear takes centre stage in Nespresso’s latest campaign with Dua Lipa, showcasing a design created in collaboration with Portugal's footwear industry and designer Willy Chavarria
Leather sector unites for World Leather Day
Taking place on the 29th of April, Leather Naturally is launching a year-round “Make It Leather” campaign to reframe material choices around durability, repairability and more responsible consumption.
Spanish footwear sector warns against ultra-fast-fashion model
Several major organisations from the Spanish footwear and leather goods industry issued a joint declaration raising concerns over the rapid expansion of ultra-fast fashion platforms in Europe
Artificial Intelligence in the Footwear Sector: How are companies deploying AI?
JUST RELEASED! Read the latest World Footwear Innovation Paper on artificial intelligence in the footwear sector and learn more about where and how companies are implementing it, including three real case studies from Portugal's FAIST project
Business coalition urges EU to fast-track deemed importer rules
A business coalition that includes the European Footwear Confederation (CEC) is urging the EU to implement deemed importer rules more quickly, as delays would lead to continued unfair competition in e-commerce
Germany Retail: Footwear under pressure amid clouded outlook
Germany’s footwear and leather goods sector remained under pressure in 2025, with weak consumer and retail confidence, falling sales, and substantial discounts weighing on the market, despite the expansion of the online channel and a significant increase in footwear imports. Looking ahead, industry representatives appear to anticipate cautious stabilisation rather than a clear rebound. While e-commerce and Germany’s role as a regional hub offer some support, weak domestic demand and persistent uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook
US import cargo volume expected to decline in the first half
Amid tariff uncertainty, US import cargo volumes are expected to fall in the first half of 2026. The potential impact of tensions with Iran on shipping remains unclear
Trump’s trade halt threat raises concerns for the Spanish footwear industry
Amid heightened international tensions, the Spanish Footwear Industry Federation (FICE) has expressed concern following Trump’s threat to halt trade with Spain over military base access
Spain Retail: Fashion falters amid broader retail growth
While the broader Spanish economy expanded by 2.8% in 2025 and total retail sales grew steadily, driven largely by double-digit gains in e-commerce, the fashion sector struggled. On average, there was a monthly year-on-year decline of 0.8% in clothing and footwear sales, accompanied by sector-specific deflation despite positive headline inflation. Although consumer confidence remained relatively solid, households increasingly prioritised services and savings over fashion purchases
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