In the first half of 2025, the Portuguese footwear industry exported 36 million pairs of shoes worth 843 million euros. Compared to the same period last year, this represents an increase of 5.4% in volume and 3.7% in value. Over the past year, the Portuguese sector has gained market share against its main international competitors.

China, which is responsible for around 55% of global footwear production, experienced a 12.5% decline in exports during the same period. Mexico and Turkey, two benchmark producers, saw respective declines of 19.3% and 15.3% in international trade. In Europe, Italy and Spain, two of Portugal’s main competitors, recorded declines of 2.6% and 2%, respectively.

"This has been a very challenging year for the international footwear industry”, emphasises Luís Onofre. "The fact that we export more than 90% of our production to 170 countries enables the industry to demonstrate a positive overall performance”, adds the President of APICCAPS. Nevertheless, he recalls: "We remain dependent on the trajectory of the main economies if we are to continue on this path in the second half of the year and close it as a year of affirmation for the Portuguese footwear sector in foreign markets”.

Between January and June, Germany reinforced its position as the leading destination for Portuguese footwear, achieving growth of 13.1% to reach 217 million euros. France also maintained a positive trend, with exports growing by 1.4% to 167 million euros. In contrast, there are concerns about the Netherlands, where sales of Portuguese footwear declined by 5.3% to 94 million euros. 

Following an uncertain start to the year and double-digit declines, Portuguese footwear exports to the US began to recover, reaching 40 million euros by the end of the first half of the year (a 6.4% decrease on the previous year). 

"The US market is a priority for Portuguese footwear”, emphasises Luís Onofre. In a more favourable tariff environment, in which countries such as Brazil, China, India and Mexico are penalised by 50%, 30%, 50% and 25% respectively, "this may be an opportunity to strengthen our presence in the US, where demand for premium, sustainable products with a history is growing”. The President of APICCAPS believes that "given the current investments of more than 100 million euros in automation, robotics and sustainability under the PRR, Portugal can establish itself as a solid alternative to environmentally unsustainable mass production”.