Mexican optimism
19/11/2008
The Mexican footwear industry could be in line for a boost from the global economic downturn.
The president of the Jalisco Footwear Industry Chamber (Cicej), Carlos Raúl Martínez Barba, has said Mexico as a whole will export 10 million pairs this year, of which companies in his state will contribute 20%, and that demand for Mexican-made footwear is increasing, especially in the US market.
"This is my personal view and is the one I am offering to my colleagues," he said in Guadalajara's main newspaper El Informador. "Footwear exports are increasing, as are contacts with international clients who are looking to Mexico; there are very prestigious international companies that are knocking on the doors of Mexican footwear factories again."
He speculated that demand in the US for footwear made in China could fall by 50%. Orders will be smaller, but buyers in the US will demand a good price and greater speed to market. According to Mr Martínez, this could put Mexico in the best possible position to take advantage.
"I still think 2009 is going to be a very, very difficult year," he added. "But it could be a good year for Mexico to consolidate its position in the global footwear market."
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