World
EU and India conclude free trade agreement talks
India and the European Union have finalised a free trade agreement that will reduce tariffs on most goods. This is the largest deal of its kind ever concluded by either party
New footwear material trends revealed by industry survey
Industry experts point to sustainable natural fibres as the dominant footwear material trend for the next two years, a key insight from the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey conducted at the end of 2025
Trump backs down on Greenland tariff threat
The US has cancelled its threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries in an effort to push for US control of Greenland, following talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
US threatens tariff hikes on eight European countries over Greenland dispute
President Donald Trump announced that the US plans to impose additional tariffs on imports from eight European countries, citing a dispute over Greenland as the reason
British Footwear Association announces CEO departure
The British Footwear Association (BFA) has announced that Richard Shetliffe will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer in early June 2026. The search for his successor is underway
Majority of EU countries approve the Mercosur trade deal
A qualified majority of EU states have given the green light for the bloc to sign its largest free trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur, 25 years after negotiations began
AI has not yet matured sufficiently to meet the specific needs of the industry
This is one of the key findings from the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, conducted in October and November 2025. We asked our panel of experts to share their views on the impact of AI in the footwear industry. Here’s what they told us
Portugal: footwear components target foreign markets
The Portuguese footwear components sector is set to bolster its international presence through initiatives in key markets, including Spain, the United States, France, Italy and the UK
UK retail sales fall in December as Christmas boost fails
BDO’s latest High Street Sales Tracker shows that discretionary retail sales fell by 1.4% year-on-year in December, representing the weakest monthly performance since November 2024
Cotance and industriAll Europe outline roadmap for the EU leather sector
Cotance and industriAll Europe have adopted a new Social Dialogue Work Programme 2026-2030. This is aimed at strengthening the skills, sustainability and competitiveness of the EU leather industry
European footwear and apparel industries face reindustrialisation challenges
With production still concentrated in Asia, the European footwear and apparel industries are navigating reindustrialisation, with value-added manufacturing, regulation and sustainability emerging as key factors
AI gains ground across the footwear industry
Artificial intelligence is being increasingly adopted across the footwear industry, with applications ranging from optimising design and production to managing the supply chain and creating smart footwear
Rethinking business models in a changing footwear market
In response to evolving market conditions, footwear companies are reshaping their business models through customisation, digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence
Footwear industry looks to technology and innovation to shape its future
Innovation and technology were at the centre of a discussion on the future of the footwear industry. The speakers of an international conference held under the FAIST Agenda addressed issues such as production shifts, adoption barriers, and workforce transformation
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