Alert in Brazil’s footwear sector. Exports drop and imports surge
The main destinations for Brazilian footwear exports are the United States and Argentina. In the first case, during the mentioned period, the U.S. imported 8.3 million pairs, representing a 3.5% decline compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, shipments to Argentina totaled 10.7 million pairs, marking a 16.7% drop compared to 2023.
Paraguay was the third-largest buyer, with 6.9 million pairs, 21.6% less than the same period in 2023.
According to Haroldo Ferreira, Executive President of ABICALÇADOS, the association representing Brazilian footwear manufacturers, “instability will persist through the final months of 2024 and into 2025. The growth estimate for 2025 is within a range of 0.5% to a decline of 2%, on a very weak comparison basis.”
“We cannot yet speak of a recovery in the international market because we are witnessing significant advances by Asian countries, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, in our main international markets,” Ferreira emphasized.
Between January and October 2024, 29.8 million pairs entered Brazil, representing a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The largest shipments came from Vietnam (+21.2%), China (-5.3%), and Indonesia (+53.5%).
“ABICALÇADOS remains vigilant regarding the migration of production within Asia, which is shifting from China to culturally and geographically close countries,” noted Haroldo Ferreira.
Regarding parts such as uppers, soles, heels, insoles, etc., imports totaled USD 30.2 million, 27% higher than the same period last year. The main sources were China, Paraguay, and Colombia.
Source: ABICALÇADOS
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