Portugal plans to double footwear exports by 2025
Portuguese footwear association APICCAPS said it will spend €1 million a year to double exports by 2025 from the 2010 level of €1.2 billion.
At a meeting with journalists in Oporto, executive director João Maia said 90% of the money would be spent on helping the country’s manufacturers take part in international trade fairs.
In March, the association and its members will attend 20 fairs, with a view to being in contact with the “more than 100,000 importers”.
Portugal exported around 74 million pairs last year worth €1.7 billion, an 8% rise over 2012.
Exports to the EU grew 3.8% to €1.5 billion while outside the EU took €223 million – a 47% increase.
Portugal exported footwear worth €18 million to Canada, €49 million to Russia, €27 million to Angola, €6 million to China, €5 million to United Arab Emirates and €2 million to South Korea.
Around 1,700 firms operate in the Portuguese footwear, components and leathergoods sector, employing 41,300.
