The post-pandemic period where the international footwear industry is going through demands a productive reorganization, an adaptation to current characteristics of markets, and above all a precise assessment of its own response capacities, within a complex global context.
It is well known that the health crisis liquefied a lot of specialized labor, and currently the shortage has become widespread. To this, different countries have implemented intensive personnel training and recovery policies.
Meanwhile, the supply of raw materials, supplies and components has been affected by discontinuity and high volatility of costs and prices.
All these factors present a scenario of marked difficulties for the industry, which will be overcome by those who propose the correct strategy and achieve the greatest degree of autonomy within the chain.
Thus, access to human and technological resources will be essential at this stage, together with the effective support of the States in financial and political matters.
The international footwear market is showing remarkable changes, which deserve attention. Large importers (e.g., the United States) are diversifying their traditional supply points, such as Asia, and are turning their gaze to Latin America. This is the case of Brazil and Mexico, confirmed by the increase in their exports to the northern country.
The phenomenon transcends other countries in the region and opens up expectations for new opportunities. For this reason, a deep self-diagnosis of the industry is necessary to define a strategy elaborated with private-state participation, which allows developing its potential and being prepared to project the sector internationally.
The Editor
