The president of the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods and Substitutes Manufacturers Association (APICCAPS) views the current international climate as challenging yet expresses optimism about the promising start to the year, while voicing concerns over the 12.7% decline in sales to the U.S.
“Even though we currently export over 90% of our production to 170 countries, we regard the U.S. market as strategic and a major focus for the Portuguese footwear industry over the next decade,” said Luís Onofre.
Amidst a “period of great uncertainty” triggered by new customs tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, the association leader emphasized that although the situation is concerning, the industry is determined to remain engaged in the market.
APICCAPS highlights the U.S. as the world’s largest footwear market, importing nearly 2 billion pairs annually, valued at close to $26 billion (24.9 billion euros).
For Portugal, the American market stands as the sixth largest destination for footwear exports, which have doubled over the past decade to around 100 million euros last year.
From January to March, Europe reaffirmed its status as the primary market for Portuguese footwear, absorbing a total of 18 million pairs—a 6.6% increase—equating to 382 million euros, up by 8.3%.
APICCAPS observed strong performances in Germany (up 18.8% to 114 million euros), France (up 1.3% to 96 million euros), and Spain (up 31% to 46 million euros).
Conversely, there is “concern” about the decrease in the Netherlands, where sales dropped 5.6% to 49 million euros.
Outside the European Union, Portuguese footwear continued to gain momentum in the United Kingdom (up 9% to 27 million euros). In the U.S. and Canada, however, there were declines of 12.7% and 14%, respectively, to 18 and four million euros.
In the first three months of the year, the Portuguese footwear industry exported 90% of its production to 170 markets across five continents.
According to the APICCAPS president, despite multiple variables impacting global trade, the expectation is that 2025 will be “a year of consolidation for Portuguese footwear abroad”.
