World
US: price sensitivity dampens holidays shoe shopping outlook
Although Deloitte is forecasting an increase in holiday retail sales of between 2.9% and 3.4% this year, the rise in shoe prices is expected to slow footwear spending
EU–Indonesia FTA set to create a level playing field in footwear trade
Following almost a decade of negotiations, the recently signed agreement will reduce tariffs on most goods, thereby enhancing the EU’s competitiveness and establishing fairer conditions on the footwear market. We spoke to Carmen Arias, Secretary General of the European Footwear Confederation (CEC)
Terry Boyle from Trove: regulation is shifting in favour of recommerce
In the second part of his interview, Terry Boyle, CEO at Trove, discussed how regulatory changes in the United States and the European Union are influencing the recommerce business, particularly for fashion and footwear brands
Brazil introduces mandatory footwear labelling to combat counterfeiting
The new regulation requires footwear manufacturers and importers to provide detailed product information. This is intended to protect consumers and strengthen the legitimate market
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
US Retail: fashion retail under pressure despite signs of recovery
Although overall retail sales increased in the first half of the year, fashion sales fell, weighed down by weak demand in the early months, inflationary pressures and new tariffs. In this context, the online channel remains a bright spot, as consumers increasingly seek convenience and discounts. At the same time, footwear imports in the first seven months of the year recorded higher values but lower volumes, as average prices climbed under tariff pressure. Despite glimpses of improvement, retailers face a challenging road ahead, with fragile consumer sentiment and uncertain trade policy
Footwear as a Medical Device in the EU: Can classifying shoes as medical devices unlock new opportunities?
JUST RELEASED! Read the latest World Footwear Innovation Paper on footwear as a medical device within the European Union. Learn more about the EU's regulatory framework, the challenges and opportunities for footwear businesses
New generation of products presented at MICAM
As part of the BioShoes4All project, a new product line has been developed and will be presented at the 100th edition of the MICAM footwear fair in Milan, from the 7th to the 9th of September
US-China tariff truce extended by 90 days
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order delaying the introduction of higher tariffs on Chinese goods by a further 90 days, while negotiations between the two countries continue
UK Retail: signs of a slowdown are emerging
After a promising start to the year, the UK retail sector is now showing signs of slowing down. Textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sales, which had recorded consistent year-on-year growth in the first months of 2025, have now begun to decline, reflecting a general downturn in retail performance. Online sales have been highly volatile, with TCF categories being particularly sensitive to changes in consumer sentiment. Meanwhile, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence are putting downward pressure on spending, and the decline in sales suggests that imports may follow this trend
Germany Retail: cautious forecasts reign amid uncertainty
Although the retail sector has shown modest year-on-year growth overall, the footwear segment continues to struggle. Meanwhile, online sales have recorded double-digit increases since September 2024. The truth is that despite signs of easing inflation and seasonal discount campaigns, both retailers and consumers remain cautious amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. The rebound seen earlier in the year has given way to cautious forecasts, particularly in light of the sharp downturn in footwear imports and the potential ramifications of shifting trade policies
EU footwear industry may gain from Trump’s tariffs
Countries such as Portugal and Spain could benefit from Trump’s latest tariff policies, as the EU is the least penalised region, with tariffs of only 15%, which do not accumulate with historical tariffs
Spain Retail: the fashion sector is now under pressure
Unlike our previous forecast, the Spanish fashion sector is currently under pressure, with its turnover down by 2.56% year-on-year in the first half of the year. The footwear sector, in particular, is showing worrying signs, with low prices and cautious consumer behaviour. This has left retailers with high inventory levels and high hopes for summer discounts. However, only time will tell if the slowdown of the Spanish economy due to mounting global geopolitical and financial uncertainty will affect their prospects
Latest developments in Trump’s tariffs policies
Now that Trump’s self-imposed deadline for the 1st of August has been reached, we present the latest update on tariff policies, highlighting the main concerns for the fashion industry
2025 UITIC Congress set to launch in one month
The countdown has begun. The next edition of the UITIC International Technical Footwear Congress is returning to China for the second time, taking place in Shanghai from the 31st of August to the 3rd of September
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