Since the beginning of the year, the Portuguese footwear sector has been intensifying its focus on internationalisation, carrying out 11 external promotion initiatives in just two months. The initiative is led by APICCAPS in partnership with AICEP, with the support of the Compete 2030 programme. In the same period last year, the sector took part in only seven international initiatives.
"In just two months, nearly 100 Portuguese companies are involved in activities in international markets, confirming the dynamism and export ambition of the sector,” highlights Luís Onofre.
Through these initiatives, national companies are present in eight strategic markets — Germany, Colombia, Denmark, Spain, United States, France, Italy and United Kingdom — strengthening the positioning of Portuguese footwear among clients, distributors and international partners.
For the President of APICCAPS, this collective effort is particularly significant in the current international economic context. "Portuguese footwear companies are making a remarkable effort to seek out new markets and consolidate existing ones at a particularly complex economic moment. Internationalisation remains a central pillar of the sector’s competitiveness.”
He also stresses that this approach reflects the adaptability of national companies. "Even in a scenario marked by uncertainty, inflation and consumer slowdown in some markets, the sector maintains a proactive stance, investing in external promotion, innovation and the strengthening of international commercial relationships.”
In February, special emphasis is placed on the Portuguese "invasion” of Milan, Italy, with nearly 80 companies participating in MICAM (39) and Lineapelle (29).
"APICCAPS believes that the strong participation of companies in international initiatives demonstrates confidence in the value of the national product and in the differentiation of Portuguese footwear, recognised for its quality, design and sustainability,” Luís Onofre underlines.
Currently, the footwear and leather goods cluster exports more than 90% of its production to 174 countries across five continents, generating annual revenues close to €2.1 billion.
Components Set the Example
Within the cluster, particular note should be made of the reinforced investment underway in the footwear components sector. Since the beginning of the year, it has taken part in promotional initiatives in Spain, United States, France, Italy and United Kingdom.
These actions are supported by APICCAPS within the framework of its internationalisation strategy and the promotion of the national footwear value chain. Planned initiatives include participation in specialised trade fairs and promotional actions focused on direct contact with international buyers and brands.
The objective is to assert the technical excellence, innovation capacity and competitiveness of Portuguese component companies, strengthening their integration into international value chains. The footwear components sector comprises 238 companies, employing 4,378 people and exporting approximately €72 million annually.
It plays a central role in strengthening the Portuguese industry and is recognised for its high level of specialisation, production flexibility and ability to respond to the demands of international brands. Strong investment in research, development and sustainability has enabled national companies to position themselves as leading strategic partners at both European and global levels.
For the President of APICCAPS, these initiatives represent "a decisive step in reinforcing the international visibility of the components sector, which is a true pillar of the competitiveness of Portuguese footwear.” According to Luís Onofre, "there is no strong footwear industry without an equally solid, innovative and market-aligned components sector.”
Onofre further highlights that "Portugal today has a complete industrial ecosystem, where components, materials, technology and design work in an integrated way,” adding that APICCAPS’ support aims to "create the conditions for companies to grow, diversify markets and capture new business opportunities.”
With this strong focus on key markets, the footwear components sector reaffirms its international ambition and its strategic contribution to the overall performance of the Portuguese footwear industry, consolidating an image built on quality, innovation and sustainability — values that are increasingly decisive in international purchasing decisions.