Volumes slip but prices rise
It appears that Brazilian footwear manufacturers are achieving their goal of increasing the value of their exported goods. Having realised several years ago that it could no longer compete with countries such as China at the low-end of the market, the industry made a concerted effort, backed by the footwear associations, to increase the quality and value of Brazilian shoes. And looking at the latest figures, it appears to have been a success.
Although footwear exports fell to 163.1 million pairs in the first 11 months of 2007 (January-November), down 1.4% from the 165.5 million pairs shipped in the same period last year, despite this downward trend in volumes revenue in the sector actually increased 2.6% to US$1.753 billion, as a result of a 4.1% increase in the average price per pair.
