Portuguese footwear export growth continues
Portugal’s footwear industry extended its positive momentum in September, confirming the recovery that began early in 2025.
Between January and September, the country exported 53.3 million pairs valued at €1.32 billion, an increase of 3.8 percent in quantity and 2.1 percent in value compared with the same period in 2024.
Safety footwear rose by 17 percent in value, children’s footwear by 6 percent, and textile based footwear by 18.8 percent. Leather footwear remained stable in value despite continued margin pressure.
Europe accounted for about 80 percent of export volume. Sales to the region grew by 5.9 percent in quantity and 4.4 percent in value, reaching €1,098 million. Germany increased by 11.3 percent to €372 million and Spain rose by 20.6 percent to €139 million. France eased by 0.4 percent to €263 million. Outside Europe, the United States showed signs of recovery, while South Korea and Japan continued to register growth.
APICCAPS president Luis Onofre said the results reflect the sector’s capacity to adjust quickly to shifting market conditions.
Eurostat data show Portugal outperforming competitors. Italy fell by 1.3 percent, Spain by 3.3 percent and Turkey by around 13 percent. China recorded a 9.1 percent decline for the period. Mr Onofre said these figures illustrate the difficult global context for footwear in 2025.
