Concern over trade deal with China
The potential free trade agreement between China and Mercosur has raised concerns within Brazil's footwear industry. According to Haroldo Ferreira, executive president of ABICALÇADOS, Asian products are manufactured under limited environmental agenda, with labor conditions outside global standards, prices below normal market ones.
If the agreement is confirmed, the sector could be seriously affected. Brazil is already experiencing a massive influx of Chinese footwear, even with anti-dumping measures that add $10.22 per pair, along with a 35% import tariff, the association reported.