World

Portugal surpasses Spain in footwear production

Apr 23, 2024 Portugal

Portugal has become Europe’s second-largest footwear producer, overtaking Spain. According to Eurostat, Portugal produced 85 million pairs of shoes in 2022, two million more than its Spanish rival

Over the last decade, footwear production in Portugal has increased by 14.4% (from 74 to 81 million pairs), as compared with a decline of 14% (from 97 to 83 million pairs) for the Spanish industry. Only Italy fared better, although it is losing ground to Portugal every year. In fact, the Italian footwear industry has taken a step backwards, as its production has fallen by 18.6% since 2012 to 162 million pairs of shoes in 2022 (a far cry from the 199 million shoes produced a decade earlier).

Only Portugal managed to increase its footwear production in Europe: the Portuguese share of European production increased by 34.3% and now accounts for 17.1% of the total. In contrast, footwear production in Europe fell by 19.6% over the last decade to 496 million pairs (617 million in 2012).

“This is the result of the continuous investment of the footwear sector in Portugal in the definition of an ambitious vision and adapted public policies, which have allowed the sector to reposition itself on the international competitive scene”, says Luís Onofre, President of the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association (APICCAPS).

“Regardless of the complex economic cycles, we continue to believe in the future of our industry”, he continued. “It is important to stress that we have two major projects underway, within the PRR, with an investment of 140 million euros by the end of next year; and even by the end of the decade, within the new strategic plan, we plan to invest 600 million euros”. “This is our greatest proof of confidence in the future of this sector”, concluded Onofre.

There are currently 6 381 footwear companies registered in Italy (down by 25.8% in a decade), 2,808 in Spain (down by 16.1% since 2012) and 2,428 in Portugal (down by 5%). Together, the three countries account for almost 70% of European footwear production.

Source and Image Credits: portugueseshoes.pt

Italy Portugal Spain APICCAPS Footwear Portuguese Shoes Production