In the first half of 2024, Portugal’s footwear industry exported over 36 million pairs of shoes valued at €843 million, marking a year-on-year growth of 5.4% in volume and 3.7% in value, according to APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods and Related Products Industry Association.

“This has been a very demanding year for the footwear industry globally,” said Luís Onofre, president of APICCAPS, in a statement. “But the Portuguese industry has been gaining market share against major international players.”

With over 90% of production exported to 170 countries, Portuguese footwear has shown resilience despite global challenges. “This diversified export base enables us to maintain a positive overall performance,” said Onofre.

Still, APICCAPS warns that the sector’s success will depend heavily on how global economies perform in the second half of the year, which will be crucial to consolidating 2024 as a year of progress for Portuguese footwear abroad.

After a difficult start to the year marked by uncertainty and double-digit export declines, sales to the U.S. market have begun recovering. Exports to the United States totaled €40 million in the first half—down 6.4% year-on-year.

Onofre emphasized the strategic importance of the U.S. market: “Given a more favorable tariff environment—where Brazil is penalized by 50%, China by 30%, India by 50%, and Mexico by 25%—this could be the opportunity for Portugal to strengthen its position in a market where demand for premium, sustainable and heritage products is growing.”

With more than €100 million in investments underway through the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), focused on automation, robotics, and sustainability, Onofre believes Portugal is positioned to offer a credible alternative to unsustainable mass production.

According to APICCAPS data, global competitors are faltering. China, which produces around 55% of the world’s footwear, saw its exports fall by 12.5% in the first half of the year. Mexico and Turkey, identified as “benchmark producers,” recorded export declines of 19.3% and 15.3%, respectively.

European competitors also saw declines: Italy’s footwear exports fell 2.6%, while Spain’s dropped 2%. In contrast, Germany strengthened its role as the top buyer of Portuguese footwear, increasing imports by 13.1% to €217 million. France remained stable, with a modest 1.4% increase to €167 million.

However, there are concerns regarding the Netherlands, where sales fell 5.3% to €94 million.