Portuguese footwear industry outperforms European peers

18/07/2025
Portugal's footwear sector posted strong export growth in early 2025, outperforming other major European producers. From January to April, exports reached 26 million pairs, worth €576 million – a 6.2% increase year on year.

In contrast, Spanish exports stabilised and Italian exports declined by 4.1%. With average European growth at 2.8%, Portugal recorded the best performance in the region.

APICCAPS president Luís Onofre attributed the results to continued investment in technology, including €100 million in projects under the national Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Outside Europe, China and Turkey reported export declines of 8.3% and 14.6% respectively, while Indonesia and Vietnam increased overseas sales.

To reduce reliance on traditional markets, Portugal is targeting new regions. Extra-EU exports now represent 19% of the sector’s total. South Korea is a current focus, with 11 Portuguese companies set to take part in a “Portuguese Shoes Showcase” in Seoul from July 15 to 17.