Imports
Türkiye restricts footwear imports via postal and express channels over safety concerns
The Turkish Ministry of Trade has introduced new restrictions on the import of several products, including footwear, via postal and express delivery services due to safety concerns
France Retail: operating in the dark
Overall retail sales have struggled to stay afloat this year, and the footwear sector has performed even worse. Despite a 1.9% increase in the value of footwear imports and an 8.4% increase in the volume of imports in the first half of the year, sales decreased by 1.4% in value and 2.6% in volume in the first eight months, suggesting that retailers are focusing on lower-cost stock. The sector’s challenges are exacerbated by below-target inflation and a sharp fall in consumer confidence. As political uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over consumer and retail sentiment, hopes for a turnaround are almost entirely on the Black Friday and Christmas shopping seasons
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
Netherlands Retail: the footwear sector holds up amid volatility
The Dutch footwear retail sector has held up against volatility, achieving a 0.7% increase in sales in the first eight months of 2025, as compared to the same period of the previous year. This outpaces growth in the overall retail market. Despite highly variable monthly sales, ranging from a high of 11% to a low of 7.7%, this modest growth trajectory appears to be supported by a surge in retail confidence, which aligns with positive import data. Although still negative, consumer sentiment is slightly more optimistic
Japan Retail: mixed signs for the footwear sector
Sales of apparel and footwear remain sluggish, with monthly declines compared to 2024. However, while clothing prices in Japan have outpaced general inflation (which is higher than usual for the country’s economy), footwear inflation has remained relatively stable, hovering just above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target. This suggests that, while households are reducing discretionary spending, footwear is less susceptible to price volatility. Nevertheless, rising import costs and exchange rate fluctuations could alter this situation
US Retail: fashion retail under pressure despite signs of recovery
Although overall retail sales increased in the first half of the year, fashion sales fell, weighed down by weak demand in the early months, inflationary pressures and new tariffs. In this context, the online channel remains a bright spot, as consumers increasingly seek convenience and discounts. At the same time, footwear imports in the first seven months of the year recorded higher values but lower volumes, as average prices climbed under tariff pressure. Despite glimpses of improvement, retailers face a challenging road ahead, with fragile consumer sentiment and uncertain trade policy
Brazilian footwear exports decline as Chinese imports surge
While Brazilian footwear exports declined in August, mainly due to the impact of the 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Brazilian goods, imports from China surged
Italian footwear exports grow in volume but shrink in value
According to the latest data released by the Italian footwear association (Assocalzaturifici), exports grew in volume by 3.2% but decreased in value by 2.7% in the first five months of 2025
Domestic demand fuels modest growth for the German footwear industry
The German footwear industry saw a 1.3% year-on-year increase in sales in the first half, driven solely by domestic demand. Foreign sales fell by 11%, highlighting market challenges, according to HDS/L
After a Decade of Steady Growth, the Average Export Price of Footwear Dipped to $11.47 in 2024
This is one of the key conclusions of the data published in the World Footwear Yearbook 2025, recently released by APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear Association. Get access to all relevant facts and figures of the industry
Footwear production rebounds in 2024
Last year, global footwear production recovered, increasing by 6.9% and regaining the 1.5 billion pairs lost in 2023. This is one of the key conclusions of the data published in the World Footwear Yearbook 2025, recently released by APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear Association
Global Footwear Exports Increase in 2024 and China Continues to Lose Share
This is one of the main conclusions of the data published in the World Footwear Yearbook 2025, recently released by APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear Association
Gradual Growth in Asian Footwear Consumption Endures
This is one of the key findings of the data published in the World Footwear Yearbook 2025, just released by APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear Association. Get access to your copy today
UK Retail: signs of a slowdown are emerging
After a promising start to the year, the UK retail sector is now showing signs of slowing down. Textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sales, which had recorded consistent year-on-year growth in the first months of 2025, have now begun to decline, reflecting a general downturn in retail performance. Online sales have been highly volatile, with TCF categories being particularly sensitive to changes in consumer sentiment. Meanwhile, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence are putting downward pressure on spending, and the decline in sales suggests that imports may follow this trend-
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