In 2025, Portugal consolidated its lead over Spain in footwear production and maintained its position as Europe's second-largest footwear producer.
According to data from the World Footwear Yearbook 2026, Portugal rose to 18th place among the world's largest footwear producers in 2025, in a ranking led by China, which accounts for 55% of global production. The study, published annually by APICCAPS, shows that the Portuguese industry continues to strengthen its international position, despite operating in a particularly demanding market.
In 2025, Portugal accounted for 0.3% of world production by volume and 0.5% by value. Around 93% of the footwear produced in the country was sold abroad, reaching 174 markets across five continents.
Portugal ranked 13th among the world's largest footwear exporters by value, with sales of USD 1.949 billion, equivalent to approximately EUR 1.718 billion, and 17th by volume, with 69 million pairs exported.
The average export price increased by 2.5% to USD 28.25 per pair, keeping Portugal in second place worldwide, behind Italy. This indicator reflects the specialisation of Portuguese companies in higher value-added segments, although it is also influenced by production costs, the product mix of exports, destination markets and exchange-rate fluctuations.
"The Portuguese industry is going through a very difficult period, as are most of the world’s leading producers. Even so, Portugal has managed to withstand the pressure better than many of its competitors and preserve an international position built on value, quality and companies’ ability to respond,” says Paulo Gonçalves, Executive Director of APICCAPS.
After two years of declining foreign sales, Portuguese footwear exports grew by 0.8% in 2025, bucking the negative trend recorded by the Italian and Spanish industries.
Uncertainty increases
In 2026
In the first six months of 2026, Portuguese exports fell by 2.1% year-on-year to EUR 813 million. The decline was, however, smaller than that recorded in Italy and Spain, Portugal’s two main competitors, which posted cumulative losses through May of 4.3% and 7.3%, respectively.
Internationally, all major players faced significant difficulties in the first five months of 2026. China recorded losses of 10.9%, Brazil 15.7% and Turkey 5.3%. Vietnam, meanwhile, appears to be proving more resilient than its Asian competitors, declining by only 1.3%.
"We cannot downplay the contraction in exports, but it must be viewed in the context of a general slowdown in global footwear trade. The results show that Portugal’s strategy remains appropriate and that companies have been able to defend their markets in an environment of enormous pressure,” says Paulo Gonçalves.
"The sector is operating under intense pressure: the armed conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to affect the fashion value chain, significantly reducing access to luxury markets that have traditionally been important for Portuguese companies. This is compounded by logistical disruptions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, which are heavily penalising economic activity and contributing to higher costs,” said the Executive Director of APICCAPS.
Germany was the leading destination for Portuguese footwear in 2025, accounting for 24% of exports, followed by France with 20%, the Netherlands and Spain, both with 11%, and the United Kingdom with 6%.
The Portuguese industry is also diversifying its materials and product categories. Leather footwear has fallen from 69% of exports three years ago to 58%, while the share of rubber and plastic products has increased from 13% to 21%, and textile products from 8% to 12%.
In waterproof footwear, Portugal already ranks fifth among the world’s largest exporters, with a 3.4% share and international sales of USD 55 million.
For Paulo Gonçalves, this evolution shows that "the industry is acquiring new capabilities, diversifying its offer and reducing its dependence on more traditional categories, without abandoning the know-how accumulated over several generations”.
"Portugal’s position should be valued, but it leaves no room for complacency. Companies face high costs, geopolitical instability, greater commercial pressure and less dynamic international demand. Continued investment in innovation, sustainability, skills and international promotion will be necessary to defend the ground gained,” he concludes.
The World Footwear Yearbook, launched by APICCAPS in 2011, analyses footwear production, consumption and international trade every year, including detailed information on 84 markets.