Alarming drop in production and sales of footwear

According to data revealed by the president of the National Chamber of Footwear -CALTU-, Lilia Villavicencio, in mid-August, the manufacture of footwear in the province of Tungurahua, the main producing area in Ecuador, fell by 80%, compared to the same last year's period.

This trend was exacerbated by a 90% decline in store sales. All as a result of the coronavirus health crisis.

Tungurahua, its capital Ambato and its surroundings, make up the largest footwear producing pole in the center of the country, equidistant from just over 100 kms. from Quito and Guayaquil. According to industrial sources, of an approximate production of 30 million pairs per year, the province of Tungurahua is responsible for 60% of that total.

The consequences of the pandemic in the country, and in particular in this industrial sector, have been disastrous, as they have caused closures of workshops and factories, job losses, generalized economic deterioration and uncertainty in the face of an unpredictable future.

According to the highest authority of shoemakers "currently the citizens is prioritizing expenses and their money is intended only for food and health, the purchase of items such as footwear is relegated to the background."

Lilia Villavicencio also added that through the Chamber, trainings and workshops for producers are being developed with the aim of encouraging their recovery, based on innovation and the search for new markets.

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