Imports
Retail Flash: insights from key footwear markets
Explore the main retail dynamics across France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Spain based on our latest Retail Flash reports, highlighting that e-commerce expansion and import pressures continue to reshape retail across Europe, while stronger sales growth occurs in Japan and in the US
EU to apply a 3-euro customs duty to e-commerce parcels under 150 euros
A 3-euro customs duty is to be introduced on low-value parcels arriving in the European Union. This move is part of a strategy to reduce the influx of cheap e-commerce imports, such as those sold by online retailers Shein and Temu
Brazilian footwear exports decline in November amid rising imports
Brazilian footwear exports fell in November, with shipments to the US, its main market, continuing to decline while imports surged. The trade balance is being pressured by US tariffs and growing inflows from Asia
US Retail: recovery gains ground amid ongoing pressures
Clothing and footwear sales have improved since January, with the latter already exceeding last year’s figures, but overall retail remains slightly below 2024’s levels. Although holiday forecasts point to moderate growth, rising inflation, falling consumer confidence and shifting interest rates suggest an economically fragile backdrop. Trade pressures are also having an impact on the sector: the value of footwear imports increased, but their volume fell, suggesting that retailers are absorbing higher costs through surgical price increases. A one-year suspension of additional tariffs on Chinese footwear provides temporary relief, but economic uncertainty persists
Japan Retail: fashion shows strength amid rising cost pressures
The Japanese fashion retail sector is enjoying a standout year, with apparel and footwear sales surging to record highs, despite early signs of cooling demand. Strong Chinese tourist spending has helped to boost results, although geopolitical tensions pose risks for the future. Meanwhile, e-commerce continues to grow much faster than physical retail. Inflation is now converging across categories, with footwear prices rising in line with general inflation. However, the weakening yen is pushing up import costs, leaving retailers reliant on steady consumer demand to absorb rising costs
UK Retail: fashion rebounds despite pressure on footwear spending
Since May, the UK’s textile, clothing, and footwear (TCF) sector has regained momentum, outperforming the total retail sector and benefiting from increased online demand. But this rebound masks underlying weaknesses in the footwear sector: consumer spending remains low amid persistent price deflation, and imports have fluctuated significantly as retailers adjust stock levels in response to volatile demand. With inflation still above the target rate and the Budget looming, the retail sector has entered the Golden Quarter with improved sales but constrained by economic uncertainty and cautious consumer behaviour
Germany Retail: footwear slumps as e-commerce and imports surge
The German retail sector is split in two: the footwear and leather goods market is experiencing one of its worst years, with sales falling by 4.2% year-on-year in the first eight months of the year, while overall retail is growing and e-commerce is booming, fuelled by Asian marketplaces. Complicating matters further, footwear imports have surged in value by 16.9%, defying the decline in domestic sales and raising questions about the country’s trade position. Despite current volatile business conditions and subdued consumer confidence, the industry is cautiously seeking signs of positive change
Türkiye restricts footwear imports via postal and express channels over safety concerns
The Turkish Ministry of Trade has introduced new restrictions on the import of several products, including footwear, via postal and express delivery services due to safety concerns
France Retail: operating in the dark
Overall retail sales have struggled to stay afloat this year, and the footwear sector has performed even worse. Despite a 1.9% increase in the value of footwear imports and an 8.4% increase in the volume of imports in the first half of the year, sales decreased by 1.4% in value and 2.6% in volume in the first eight months, suggesting that retailers are focusing on lower-cost stock. The sector’s challenges are exacerbated by below-target inflation and a sharp fall in consumer confidence. As political uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over consumer and retail sentiment, hopes for a turnaround are almost entirely on the Black Friday and Christmas shopping seasons
Lu Hua (CLIA): The Chinese domestic market is an opportunity for all brands
During the last edition of the UITIC Congress, we spoke with Lu Hua, Deputy Secretary General of CLIA, the China Leather Industry Association. A nice conversation about the Chinese footwear industry and the UITIC Congress. Watch it here today
Global footwear trade: China loses ground, US imports rise in value
Year-to-date Chinese footwear exports are down, while Vietnam and Indonesia have grown. EU exports increased modestly, with Portugal performing better than Spain and Italy. US imports increased in value
Netherlands Retail: the footwear sector holds up amid volatility
The Dutch footwear retail sector has held up against volatility, achieving a 0.7% increase in sales in the first eight months of 2025, as compared to the same period of the previous year. This outpaces growth in the overall retail market. Despite highly variable monthly sales, ranging from a high of 11% to a low of 7.7%, this modest growth trajectory appears to be supported by a surge in retail confidence, which aligns with positive import data. Although still negative, consumer sentiment is slightly more optimistic
Japan Retail: mixed signs for the footwear sector
Sales of apparel and footwear remain sluggish, with monthly declines compared to 2024. However, while clothing prices in Japan have outpaced general inflation (which is higher than usual for the country’s economy), footwear inflation has remained relatively stable, hovering just above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target. This suggests that, while households are reducing discretionary spending, footwear is less susceptible to price volatility. Nevertheless, rising import costs and exchange rate fluctuations could alter this situation
US Retail: fashion retail under pressure despite signs of recovery
Although overall retail sales increased in the first half of the year, fashion sales fell, weighed down by weak demand in the early months, inflationary pressures and new tariffs. In this context, the online channel remains a bright spot, as consumers increasingly seek convenience and discounts. At the same time, footwear imports in the first seven months of the year recorded higher values but lower volumes, as average prices climbed under tariff pressure. Despite glimpses of improvement, retailers face a challenging road ahead, with fragile consumer sentiment and uncertain trade policy
Brazilian footwear exports decline as Chinese imports surge
While Brazilian footwear exports declined in August, mainly due to the impact of the 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Brazilian goods, imports from China surged-
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