Trade
Italian footwear turnover falls by 2.7% as exports weaken
The Italian footwear sector experienced a slowdown in exports in the first quarter of 2026, with turnover declining by 2.7%, despite a modest recovery in domestic consumption
Global footwear trade weakens in early 2026
International footwear trade began 2026 under pressure. In the first quarter of the year, most of the main production-based exporters analysed recorded a decline in exports, while several major consumption markets also reduced their imports. The results point to a cautious start to the year for global footwear, although the impact varied substantially across country profiles
Pakistan footwear exports rise despite weakness in the leather segment
Exports of Pakistani footwear increased in the first eleven months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, driven by strong growth in the other footwear segment. Leather and canvas footwear continue to struggle
Chinese footwear exports decline in the first quarter
According to customs data and industry sources, China’s footwear exports fell in the first quarter of 2026, while the leather footwear segment showed mixed performance
China remains top US footwear supplier but market share hits 35-year low
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
Chinese leather sectors contract in 2025
China’s leather sector experienced a broad downturn in 2025, recording declines in revenue and trade activity. This reflects the ongoing pressure on the global supply chain
Technical footwear drives Portuguese industry in foreign markets
Technical footwear is emerging as a key driver of Portugal’s footwear exports. This has helped the industry to maintain growth in 2025, despite a downturn affecting several major producing countries
Italian footwear industry signals potential turnaround despite 2025 turnover decline
Preliminary figures released by Assocalzaturifici show signs of stabilisation in the Italian footwear sector, despite a 2.8% year-on-year decline in full-year 2025 turnover
Import growth continues in Brazil’s footwear industry
Brazil’s footwear imports increased in January by 34.3% in volume and 31.2% in value year-on-year. This growth comes amid slowing domestic consumption and weakening national production
Portuguese footwear exports resist international downturn in 2025
Against a backdrop of global instability, the Portuguese footwear sector ended 2025 on a positive note, in contrast to the downward trend observed among the world’s leading producers
Brazilian exports end 2025 on stable ground as imports continue to rise
Despite the negative impact of US tariffs on Brazilian footwear exports, the industry ended 2025 broadly stable, according to Abicalçados. Meanwhile, imports continue to rise
Signs of stabilisation emerge in the Italian footwear industry
According to Assocalzaturifici, the Italian footwear industry is beginning to stabilise following a challenging start to the year. However, activity remains below 2024 levels
Brazilian footwear exports decline in November amid rising imports
Brazilian footwear exports fell in November, with shipments to the US, its main market, continuing to decline while imports surged. The trade balance is being pressured by US tariffs and growing inflows from Asia
Portuguese tannery exports gain momentum in 2025
Portuguese tannery exports grew by 5.8% year-on-year up to September 2025, reflecting the recovery in external demand and the ongoing efforts of the sector to modernise production
Portugal maintains export growth trajectory in 2025
Data from the first nine months of the year shows that the Portuguese footwear industry is gaining ground in the main international markets, with year-on-year export increases of 3.8% in volume and 2.1% in value
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Media Partners
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Fotoshoe
Revista del Calzado
UNIT Publishing House
Shoes Report