In 2022, the footwear and leather goods cluster exported 2.347 million euros, a new all-time high. When compared to the prior year, exports grew by 22,2%. All segments of the sector registered significant growth.
Portugal exported 76 million pairs of shoes, worth 2.009 million euros, which reflects an increase of 10,5% in volume and 20,2% in value, on a comparable basis to the previous year. Against 2019, exports are already growing by more than 13,8%.
A more refined analysis of the evolution of exports shows that Portugal is growing in nearly all the most relevant markets, such as Germany (more 11,7% for 433 million euros), France (more 15% for 384 million euros) and Netherlands (more 25% for 306 million euros).
Sales to non-EU countries stand out in the general picture, already amounting to 20% of the total value exported (392 million euros exported in 2022). A decade earlier, in 2012, non-EU markets accounted for only 9% of total exports. Brexit has decisively contributed to these figures, but it does not entirely justify this expressive leap. For example, in the space of a decade, exports to the US grew from 19 to 114 million euros (growth of 52% only in 2022).
The average price of the Portuguese shoe stood at 26.40 euros, which suggests an increase of 8,7% as compared to 2021.
Footwear components soar
The footwear components’ sector is also performing well in foreign markets. Exports rose by 30,2% to 65 million euros. The segment "soles and heels", particularly, recorded a growth of 20% to 32 million euros.
The growths in Germany (up by 13% to 16 million euros), France (up by 40% to 11 million euros) and Spain (up by 16% to 9 million euros) ought to be highlighted.
Leather goods reach new record
The know-how amassed over generations and continuous investment in professional qualification is an increasingly significant competitive argument for the leather goods sector. In 2022. the sector’s exports reached a new historical high, with growth of 37,4% to 273 million euros.
France (up 99% to 86 million euros) and Spain (up 34,2% to 70 million euros) were decisive for this results.
The know-how amassed over generations and continuous investment in professional qualification is an increasingly significant competitive argument for the leather goods sector. In 2022. the sector’s exports reached a new historical high, with growth of 37,4% to 273 million euros.
France (up 99% to 86 million euros) and Spain (up 34,2% to 70 million euros) were decisive for this results.