World

Polish footwear industry fears the impact of the war

Mar 4, 2022 Poland

The impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine on the industry might be substantial. Both countries represent important markets for Polish shoes

The Polish Chamber of Shoe and Leather Industry (PIPS) is concerned about the impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine, both neighbours to Poland, on the overall economic situation, but especially in the footwear industry. Last year, Russia purchased 4.57 million pairs of Polish shoes, generating a revenue of 85.5 million euros. Ukraine, similarly, imported 4.33 million pairs of shoes, worth 81.8 million euros.

The Vice-President of PIPS, Mariusz Babral, finds himself uncapable of providing a forecast on the long-term consequences of a (possible) lasting conflict, but stresses that the “exports to these markets have suddenly stopped and companies don’t know if and when will receive the payments for goods already delivered”. He added, “there are several Polish and Belarus companies producing shoes in Ukraine and under the present circumstances activities will be suspended”.

The biggest shoe producing centre of Ukraine is located in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, which has been under Russia’s attack for some days now, causing numerous deaths, multiple injured and massive destruction.

Poland is the 10^th biggest exporter and importer of footwear worldwide and constitutes a major hub for footwear trade in Central Europe. According to the World Footwear 2021 Yearbook (more information available HERE), in 2020, despite all constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Poland exported a total of 123 million pairs of shoes, worth 2.5 billion US dollars. Nonetheless, Mr. Babral recalls that many Polish manufacturers have yet to recover from the losses inflicted by the pandemic on their businesses and, to them, this war may be too much of a “heavy blow” to bear.

Image Credits: pfishow.com