Growth for German shoe and leathergoods producers ‘surprises’ HDS
09/09/2025
Deputy managing director, Torben Schütz, said the increase had been unexpected. At a press conference at the Micam exhibition in Milan on September 8, Mr Schütz said: “It was surprising, if you talk to our companies.”
He explained that footwear companies had exported 190 million pairs in the first half of the year, an increase in volume of 3.7%, adding that “functional footwear”, including safety shoes and products for the military, had been in particular demand.
However, across the board, he said the situation for Germany’s manufacturers of footwear and leathergoods was difficult. “There is a structural crisis,” he said. “Ours is an energy-intensive industry and energy costs, as well as labour costs are very high. At the same time, consumers are spending less than before. This makes things difficult for retailers, especially as they have to compete with online platforms based in Asia. Times are good for us when times are good for retailers. Our industry is successful when retailers are successful.”
HDS has calculated that production costs have increased for manufacturers by 25% in the last ten years. Over the same timeframe, though, the price consumers have to pay has gone up by only 10%.
“The problem is explaining to consumers the value of our products,” Torben Schütz said.
Image: Torben Schütz speaking at Micam.
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