World Footwear

World

Polish footwear industry fears the impact of the war

Mar 4, 2022 Poland
Polish footwear industry fears the impact of the war
The impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine on the industry might be substantial. Both countries represent important markets for Polish shoes
The Polish Chamber of Shoe and Leather Industry (PIPS) is concerned about the impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine, both neighbours to Poland, on the overall economic situation, but especially in the footwear industry. Last year, Russia purchased 4.57 million pairs of Polish shoes, generating a revenue of 85.5 million euros. Ukraine, similarly, imported 4.33 million pairs of shoes, worth 81.8 million euros.  

The Vice-President of PIPS, Mariusz Babral, finds himself uncapable of providing a forecast on the long-term consequences of a (possible) lasting conflict, but stresses that the “exports to these markets have suddenly stopped and companies don’t know if and when will receive the payments for goods already delivered”. He added, “there are several Polish and Belarus companies producing shoes in Ukraine and under the present circumstances activities will be suspended”.

The biggest shoe producing centre of Ukraine is located in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, which has been under Russia’s attack for some days now, causing numerous deaths, multiple injured and massive destruction.

Poland is the 10th biggest exporter and importer of footwear worldwide and constitutes a major hub for footwear trade in Central Europe. According to the World Footwear 2021 Yearbook (more information available HERE), in 2020, despite all constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Poland exported a total of 123 million pairs of shoes, worth 2.5 billion US dollars. Nonetheless, Mr. Babral recalls that many  Polish manufacturers have yet to recover from the losses inflicted by the pandemic on their businesses and, to them, this war may be too much of a “heavy blow” to bear.


Image Credits: pfishow.com





Related Events

  • Mar
    15
    Mar 15-Mar 16, 2025 | Poznan, Poland

    Poznan Shoe Fair

Related Organizations

  • University of Radom - Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Commodity Science

    University of Radom - Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Commodity Science

    Poland
  • Krakow School of Art and Fashion Design

    Krakow School of Art and Fashion Design

    Poland
  • Polish Chamber of Shoe and Leather Industry

    Polish Chamber of Shoe and Leather Industry

    Poland
  • Lodz Institute of Technology

    Lodz Institute of Technology

    Poland