Events

Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags to address current challenges facing the footwear and accessories market

Jun 6, 2025 Italy

The event will address challenges such as tariff uncertainty, supply chain fragmentation, and shifting economic geographies in order to help brands and companies navigate the international landscape

“International tariff tensions are increasingly resembling a storm at sea: unpredictable, shifting and difficult to steer through. In this climate of ongoing uncertainty, even the most experienced players in the footwear, bags and accessories market find it challenging to chart a clear course through the side effects and commercial strategies now required”, says the organisers of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, which will take place from the 14^th to the 17^th of June, in Riva del Garda, Italy.

With this in mind, Enrico Cietta, President of the Scientific Committee of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags and an expert economist, will be delving into the subject in depth at the event’s opening ceremony, offering data with which to assess the current state of global production. Take a sneak peek at the main topics.

Regional Globalisation

Following the exposure of the fragility of globalisation during the Covid-19 pandemic, the desire among nations to assert control and influence over markets and maritime routes has grown stronger.

This has led to the emergence of what could be termed ‘friendshoring’. As trade is now conducted primarily within stable diplomatic relationships and political alliances, the global market has become fragmented into spheres of influence that often do not communicate or trade with one another.

While these two historic developments have not brought globalisation to an end, they have fundamentally transformed it, giving rise to a new model: Regional Globalisation, argues Cietta.

Overproduction And Inflation

Regional globalisation, influenced by economic and political forces, can lead to unpredictable consequences such as overproduction caused by tariffs.

When trade is disrupted, countries may be left with excess goods that cannot be exported, forcing them to make steep price cuts that can destabilise supply chains. Conversely, tariffs can cause shortages and inflation in importing countries. In the US, for example, retailers are warning of possible stock shortages.

Either outcome risks breaking production chains and threatening the loss of specialised skills and manufacturing expertise, both of which are difficult to recover once gone, he warns.

Traceability

In addition, the footwear, bags and accessories sectors are under increasing pressure to become more sustainable. Ever-stricter regulations on product and raw material traceability are significantly reducing the flexibility and adaptability of companies, traits that enabled them to respond efficiently to economic shocks in the past through strategies such as offshoring or adjusting their sourcing dynamics.

Expo Riva Schuh And Gardabags: Why To Attend?

In order to respond to the challenges of today’s global economic landscape, trade fairs remain central to all companies and brands. According to the organisers, “in a world marked by tariff barriers and geopolitical crises, the most reliable path forward is face-to-face interaction – dialogue, collaboration and the creation of new strategies and partnerships”.

Visit Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags to learn more about these challenges and potential solutions. You can register on their website.

Italy Accessories Economy Events Expo Riva Schuh Footwear Tariffs Trade fairs Trump tariffs