The footwear and leather sector has helped bolster growth among the Tuscan-based manufacturing industry during the second quarter.

Production from the footwear segment increased by 7% in the quarter, while other thriving sectors included chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastic (+11.5%) and the electronic transport sector (+7.4%). The textile and clothing segment showed a decline of 1.1%.

Overall production increased by 4.5% during the second quarter, while employment in the region was up 2.1%.

Despite this, many have voiced concerns over prospective results for the July to September period. This mainly stems from problems within the US housing market, which have affected the Italian economy as a whole and in turn has led to caution from investors.