Portuguese footwear exports rise in Q1 despite US decline
Portuguese footwear exports increased by 5.4% in value and 4.9% in volume in the first quarter of 2025, according to figures released by the Portuguese Association of Footwear, Components, Leather Goods and Substitutes (APICCAPS).
The country exported 20 million pairs of shoes, generating €453 million in revenue.
Europe remained the key market, accounting for 18 million pairs worth €382 million, an increase of 6.6% in volume and 8.3% in value compared to the same period last year.
Germany, France and Spain showed the strongest growth, with exports to Germany rising by 18.8% to €114 million, France by 1.3% to €96 million, and Spain by 31% to €46 million.
The UK also recorded an increase of 9%, reaching €27 million. The Netherlands saw a 5.6% decrease in imports from Portugal, down to €49 million.
Sales to the United States declined by 12.7% in the quarter. The US remains Portugal’s sixth-largest export market for footwear, worth approximately €100 million in 2024.
APICCAPS president Luís Onofre noted that despite current challenges, the US continues to be viewed as a strategic market for long-term industry growth.
The sector exports more than 90% of its output to 170 countries worldwide.
