The data compiled by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) shows that in the first quarter of 2022 were shipped 40.74 million pairs of shoes, worth 320.65 million US dollars. The figures reflect an increase of 27.3% in volume and 65.8% in value, as compared to the same period of 2021. In March, footwear exports increased by 57.5% in volume (13.17 million pairs of shoes) and by 7% in value (111.6 million US dollars), on a comparable basis to the same month last year.

"We are registering an expressive demand from major North-American players, who are seeking to replace Chinese imports due to high freight costs and to avoid the surcharge applied to shoes from the Asian country", advanced  Haroldo Ferreira, the Executive President of Abicalçados, stressing the increase of international demand from the US market.

In addition, footwear companies are performing well in Latin America. "In the international market, there is the issue of costs increase in transports, which has been inhibiting imports from Asia. In this scenario, the Brazilian footwear industry appears as the main alternative, as it is the largest outside Asia and, above all, because it can meet international demand with quality, design and sustainability", added Haroldo Ferreira.

Main Destinations

The US remain the main destination for Brazilian footwear. Between January and March, it were shipped 6 million pairs, worth 88.7 million US dollars. These figures suggest an increase of 83.3% in volume and 120% in value, as compared to the same quarter of 2021.

Next, came Argentina, which purchased 3.2 million pairs of shoes, at the value of 36.2 million US dollars, up by 43.4% in volume and by 77.6% in value, on a comparable basis to the first three months of last year. France was the third main destination for Brazilian footwear in the first quarter of 2022. The European country bought 3 million pairs, worth 20.5 million US dollars, up by 39% in volume and by 41.4% in value, as compared to the same period of 2020.

Abicalçados also highlighted the performance in Chile. Brazil exported 733 thousand pairs of shoes in the first quarter of 2022, which generated 12.2 million US dollars. These figures reflect growth of 80% in volume and 116% in value, on a comparable basis to similar period of the prior year.

Brazilian Footwear Industry

Brazil has one of the largest footwear industries in the world, mainly focused on the internal market. However, 2020 was especially difficult for the sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Abicalçados noted that national production of footwear dropped to levels of 16 years ago, and official statistics show that exports reached their lowest figure of the decade. Nevertheless, the World Footwear 2021 Yearbook (more information available HERE) reveals that Brazil still ranked fifth both among the top 10 footwear producers and the top 10 footwear consumers.