Footwear survey reveals optimistic outlook

The most recent trade statistics show that, in 2023, the global footwear trade witnessed a notable slowdown due to declining imports in major markets. This strike in global footwear trade may be attributed to factors such as high inflation and a higher cost of living.

Despite the macroeconomic scenario, the overall survey outlook remains optimistic. A majority of panel members expect growth in both footwear sales volume and prices, with a significant rise in prices anticipated. This positive sentiment regarding price increases may be influenced by the remaining impact of global inflationary pressures, even if inflation rates have gradually moderated in the current semester. Additionally, most respondents expect the health of their businesses to remain strong in the coming months, with employment stabilizing.

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In 2019 the World Footwear has created the World Footwear Experts Panel and is now conducting a Business Conditions Survey every semester. 

The objective of the World Footwear Experts Panel Survey is to collect information regarding the current business conditions within the worldwide footwear markets and disseminate this information to provide an accurate overview of the situation of the global footwear industry. The tenth edition of this online survey was conducted during the month of April 2024. 

We have obtained 115 valid answers, 32% from Africa, 30% from Asia, 21% from Europe, 8% from South America, 7% from South America and 2% from Oceania. About 45% of respondents are involved in footwear manufacturing (manufacturers) or footwear trade and distribution (traders) and the other 55% in other footwear-related activities, including education and research (16%), trade associations (10%), consultancy (4%) and other activities (25%).

Previous Editions of this Bulletin can be found HERE