Portugal exported 33 million pairs of shoes, worth 752 million euros, in the first six months of 2021. According to the data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), compared to the homologous period last year, there is a growth of 12.3%.
In a period of yet great uncertainty at the international level – the World Footwear data points to a full recovery of the footwear sector worldwide only in 2023 - "Portuguese footwear is showing signs of recovery”, highlights the Office of Studies of APICCAPS. The sector is still dependent on the evolution of several indicators, "but it will hardly reach, this year, the levels of 2019”. The evolution of the pandemic, the situation in Afghanistan, the rising costs of the raw materials and logistical difficulties are aspects to be taken into account in the coming months.
Europe is, for now, a major engine for the sector. Emphasis on the growth in Germany – which even surpasses France and rises to first place among the largest markets in the sector – with an increase of 39.4% to 186 million euros. In the European region, the good performances in the Netherlands (up by 12.3% to 111 million euros) and Spain (a growth of 2.9% to 52 million euros) should also be stressed. There are also good indicators in the UK to report (a rise of 14.1% to 41 million euros).
Outside Europe, the USA (up by 10% to 33 million euros), China (up by 32.8% to 9.6 million euros) and Canada (up by 41.2% to 9.5 million euros), are giving good signs.
Positive outlook for leather goods
The leather and leather goods are also showing good indicators in 2021. In the first half of the year, it was reported a growth of 21.4% to 84 million euros. Spain (up by 6.1% to 21 million euros), France (up by 14.9% more to 16 million euros), Turkey (up by 31.8% to 11 million euros) and the USA (up by 370% to 7 million euros), justify the affirmation of the sector in foreign markets.
Footwear components buck up
Although with a more modest overall performance, the footwear components sub-sector also seems to revive in 2021. From January to June, it exported 23 million euros, which represents an increase of 2.2% as compared to the same period in 2020.
Although with a more modest overall performance, the footwear components sub-sector also seems to revive in 2021. From January to June, it exported 23 million euros, which represents an increase of 2.2% as compared to the same period in 2020.
