Brazil exported $35.16 million worth of shoes to the Middle East in the first seven months of the year, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade and the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

The amount was 24% higher than in the same period last year. “Brazil sustains excellent relations with those countries,” said Cristiano Körbes from the Brazilian Footwear Industry Association (Abicalçados). “The companies perform good work and several major brands are targeting the Arab markets.”

He added that men’s leather dress shoes and flip flops are the most sought-after products in the region.

Total footwear exports from Brazil were down 2.6% to $728 million.

Image: A buyer inspects Brazilian shoes