France turns away from China for footwear sourcing
Exports of footwear from France grew 8% in volume and 19% in value in 2015, according to national association Conseil National du Cuir.
The strongest growth was in footwear with textile uppers and synthetic uppers (not including slippers) experiencing 71% and 31% growth respectively in value.
Exports of shoes with leather uppers grew by 9%.
The number of pairs imported was 497.1 million, 11.6 million fewer pairs than in 2014, but at a higher price per pair. This generated in increase in import value of 11% (€6.2 billion).
France imported 377.9 million pairs from Asia, some 8.9 million fewer than in 2014. Their average price rose by 25%, generating a 22% increase in imports from Asia. The fall in the number of pairs imported from China (9%) was counterbalanced by the huge rise in purchases from Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Cambodia, up by 38%, 20%, 27% and 39% respectively.
Frank Boehly, president of the Conseil National du Cuir, said: "The export results for 2015 are very encouraging for our industry and illustrate the dynamism and creativity of our sector. However, we must continue to maintain our savoir-faire, strengthen our efforts to obtain more high quality skins and carry on promoting items that are Made in France."
