China
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
EU fines Temu for breaching EU rules on sale of illegal products
The European Commission has fined the Chinese online retailer Temu 200 million euros under the Digital Services Act (DSA) for not doing enough to stop the sale of illegal products
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
Kering takes minority stake in Icicle owner ICCF
The France-based luxury group has acquired a minority stake in Chinese fashion group ICCF, best known for its flagship brand Icicle, as part of a partnership between the two companies
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
Anta Sports reports full-year revenue growth
The China-based group has reported a strong full-year 2025 performance, with revenue rising by 13.3%, supported by continued growth across its multi-brand portfolio and improvements in profitability
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
Anta Sports to acquire 29% stake in Puma
The China-based group has announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement with Groupe Artémis, the investment firm of the Pinault family, to acquire a 29.06% stake in Puma for 1.5 billion euros
Global fashion braces for a challenging 2026
According to the latest State of Fashion report, 46% of executives expect industry conditions to worsen in 2026. Tariff pressures and shifting consumer behaviour are key concerns, while artificial intelligence is seen as a major opportunity
US and China agree to tariff truce, pausing trade war escalation
In their first in-person meeting in six years, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached a trade truce, halting the recent escalation of the trade war over rare earth elements
Lu Hua (CLIA): The Chinese domestic market is an opportunity for all brands
During the last edition of the UITIC Congress, we spoke with Lu Hua, Deputy Secretary General of CLIA, the China Leather Industry Association. A nice conversation about the Chinese footwear industry and the UITIC Congress. Watch it here today
Global footwear trade: China loses ground, US imports rise in value
Year-to-date Chinese footwear exports are down, while Vietnam and Indonesia have grown. EU exports increased modestly, with Portugal performing better than Spain and Italy. US imports increased in value
Trump floats new tariff threats amid US-China friction
An additional 100% tariff on goods from China was announced to be imposed by US President Donald Trump, as a reaction to China’s move to expand its rare earth element export controls
ACLE highlights innovation and resilience amid global pressures
The Shanghai trade fair welcomed thousands of professionals, with global trade links and emerging markets offering prospects for the leather sector. The next edition is set to occur in September 2026
CLIA President points to AI and sustainability as footwear industry drivers
In his speech at the last UITIC Congress, CLIA President Li Yuzhong emphasised the importance of AI and sustainability in reshaping the global footwear industry, presenting China as a key partner-
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Footwear Consumer 2030
A study reflecting on the main global consumer trends and the key changes for the footwear industry.
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