Trade

China remains top US footwear supplier but market share hits 35-year low

Apr 9, 2026 United States

China remained the largest supplier of footwear to the US in 2025, despite its market share falling to 35-year lows in both value and volume, according to the FDRA

According to the Footwear Distributors and Retailers Association (FDRA) based on figures from the US International Trade Commission, the US imported 964 million pairs of shoes from China in 2025. The data also shows that China’s share of US footwear imports fell to a 35-year low in both value and volume, while its average landed cost relative to global averages reached a 34-year low.

Matt Priest, the CEO of the FDRA, pointed out that China has steadily lost market share since 2010, with this decline accelerating in recent years. In his view, tariffs have played a key role in this shift by acting as a catalyst for sourcing diversification, as uncertainty has discouraged companies from returning to China on a large scale.

Meanwhile, other Asian suppliers continued to gain relevance. Continuing a long-term upward trend, Vietnam has maintained its position as the second-largest supplier, exporting 574 million pairs to the US. Average landed costs reached a 24-year high of 21.17 US dollars per pair in 2025.

With 194 million pairs, Indonesia ranked third, supported by currency-driven cost competitiveness, and Cambodia’s exports rose by 50% to 105 million pairs due to lower relative costs. India continued to gain traction, reaching 37 million pairs, thanks to improved price competitiveness due to currency weakness, which supported a record import share.

Meanwhile, Mexico remained stable at 21 million pairs, with higher landed costs offsetting currency movements. Italy ranked seventh, exporting 20 million pairs to the US.

Among the remaining top 10 exporters, Bangladesh rose to eighth place, with shipments up 76% to near-record levels, while Germany fell to ninth with 16 million pairs despite higher landed costs. Thailand entered the top ten, shipping 14 million pairs.

Another highlight is that Brazil fell out of the top ten due to elevated tariff levels throughout much of 2025, which reduced its competitiveness in the US market.

According to the World Footwear 2025 Yearbook (more information available HERE), the United States is the world’s largest footwear import market, with domestic demand almost entirely met by imports. Its exports remain limited and declined slightly in 2024, reflecting the country’s strong reliance on global sourcing.

Source: wwd.com/footwear-news/

Image Credits: shippingtelegraph.com