Arsutoria Studio
Arsutoria Studio

German footwear industry: slight increase in exports but US tariffs cause concern

According to the report by the Federal Association of the German Footwear and Leather Goods Industry (HDS/L), in the first six months of 2025, sales by German footwear manufacturers rose from €1.15 billion to €1.16 billion compared to the same period last year, representing a 1.3% increase in turnover.

At €924 million, domestic sales rose by 5.1% compared to the first half of 2024, while foreign sales fell from €272 million to €242 million, corresponding to a decline of 11.0%. Footwear producer prices rose by 1.2% in the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024.

In the first five months of 2025, 159.8 million pairs of shoes were exported from Germany, with a total value of €4.4 billion. Compared to the first half of 2024, this represents a 4.0% increase in the number of pairs exported. The value of footwear exports rose by 2.6%, from €4.3 billion to €4.4 billion. The average price of an exported shoe was €27.83 in the first five months of 2025.

Looking at footwear imports, from January to May 2025, these increased by 17.2% compared to the same period last year. In the first five months of 2025, 331.2 million pairs of shoes were imported into Germany. The value of imports rose from 4.7 to 5.6 billion euro, an increase of 18.8%. The average price of an imported shoe rose by 1.4%, from 16.77 to 17.01 euro.

Outlook

Despite the current instability and uncertainty and low consumer confidence in Germany, there are positive signs of change for the sector in the coming months, with fast-growing product segments such as barefoot shoes offering new opportunities for retailers and companies. In foreign trade, the political agreement on free trade between the EU and Indonesia will open up new market opportunities in the medium term and improve access to important supply and sales markets. Nevertheless, US customs policy and the new protectionist measures introduced by the Trump administration are hampering sales and significantly delaying the processing of deliveries.

Furthermore, geopolitical developments, such as those in the US market, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, are creating a general climate of uncertainty and instability, with the footwear sector also being severely affected. However, foreign trade can provide a positive boost and, from a global perspective, urbanisation, rising disposable income and the expansion of digital retail trade offer new opportunities for the German footwear industry.


Trinseo : future-Focused TPU Solutions for Footwear

The company’s portfolio of bio-based and recycled TPEs and TPUs enables OEMs and molders to move away from traditional materials—without sacrificing quality and processability.

A key innovation is in particular APILON™ 52 ECO, a family of recycled TPU compounds containing up to 70% recycled content (certified under ISO 14021 and GRS). These grades match prime TPU in durability, flexibility, and processability, and are available in ester, ether, and ester-ether chemistries. Specific grades feature haptic finishes, rubbery, matte textures that enhance both appearance and quality.

Thanks to Trinseo’s capability in color development, APILON™ 52 ECO can be developed colored on specific request.

Trinseo is committed to transparency and collaboration, as demonstrated by its certifications:

– Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Confirms the integrity of recycled content and ethical sourcing practices · 

– ISCC Plus: Validates the traceability of bio-based and recycled feedstocks, for our mass balance grades

–  Product Carbon Footprint data available 

OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN: 10 years of ethical and transparent production

The integration of the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD ensures that every certified product is tested for harmful substances – meeting rigorous, annually updated criteria based on scientific and regulatory developments.

Today’s buyers demand traceable supply chains. MADE IN GREEN delivers, with each label carrying a unique ID or QR code that reveals a product’s journey from raw material to finished item. Over 300,000 scans in 2024 alone show the growing confidence in traceable sourcing.

All MADE IN GREEN products come from OEKO-TEX® STeP-certified facilities, adhering to strict environmental practices and ILO-aligned social standards with zero tolerance for forced labor, full worker protections and sustainable operations.

With leather being part of its scope and 16,927 new labels issued in 2024, OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN helps leather brands meet rising expectations for ethical, transparent production without compromise.

Moro Minuterie: the strength of zamak, the lightness and versatility of plastic

Strength and reliability

A new line of zamak buckles designed for sandals and slippers, with a modern design inspired by irregular geometric shapes and contemporary minimalism, perfect for brands and designers who want to offer distinctive, durable, mid- to high-end products.  

The strength of zamak

Buckles made of corrosion-resistant zamak, designed to withstand wear and tear and harsh weather conditions, with refined finishes and elegant textures, ideal for footwear aimed at a style- and durability-conscious audience.


Defined shapes

Buckles in various sizes, designed to give personality to each model, ideal for those looking for a unique and recognisable aesthetic.

Versatility and lightness

Plastic buckles that combine quality and personality in an irresistible format. For summer, they are inspired by the Boho chic style and available in pastel colours and natural textures. Particularly lightweight plastic buckles, offering maximum comfort without weighing down sandals, bags or belts.

Colour customisation

Thanks to the versatility of plastic, it is possible to obtain an infinite range of colours and textures that are perfectly in line with style and new trends.


Antoniana Minuterie: tailor-made innovation for footwear

For almost fifty years, Antoniana Minuterie has been interpreting this role with competence, creativity and vision. The Padua-based company specialises in the design and manufacture of small metal parts – buckles, laces, hooks, eyelets and rivets – for brands seeking reliable solutions that are consistent with their aesthetics.

Founded as an artisan workshop in the 1970s, Antoniana has evolved into a modern industrial reality, integrating automation, printing and cutting-edge finishes. Yet its heart remains tied to the culture of “know-how”, preserved in a historical archive rich in original moulds, pantographs and prototypes, which today are a valuable source of inspiration for designers and style offices.

Technology, precision and customisation are the keywords for the future of small parts. Looking at specific products, Antoniana has integrated advanced design elements into some items to make them more aesthetically appealing, without ever losing sight of functionality and safety. The GB247 lace lock is emblematic of this: inspired by Nordic design, it features internal tabs for quick lace sliding and rear tabs for exceptional hold, with high performance and clean aesthetics.

The GA400, the result of a refined transformation of the GA100 ‘workhorse’, with its understated but distinctive knurling, is ideal for a wide range of applications, thanks to its modern and elegant lines that express a new sensibility in the design of small technical parts.

Antoniana also stands out for its ability to respond quickly and flexibly to market needs, thanks to an in-house machine park that allows it to follow every stage – from prototyping to production – with timeliness and rigour. The company does not just supply components, but acts as a strategic partner for established and emerging brands, offering technical solutions that combine aesthetics, resistance and compatibility with the most advanced industrial processes.

In a constantly evolving sector, where sustainability and customisation are increasingly central, Antoniana Minuterie confirms its position as a benchmark for those who see detail not only as a finish, but as a hallmark of quality and vision.


Vibram leads the evolution of Work & Safety

Born out of tragedy and grown thanks to a pioneering vision, the Italian company – now a leader in the production of high-performance rubber soles – has been able to transform a technical intuition into global industrial leadership, providing footwear for athletes, mountaineers, professionals and workers all over the world. Founded in 1937 by Vitale Bramani, a mountaineer and visionary entrepreneur, Vibram revolutionised the world of technical footwear forever with an invention that changed history: the lugged design, still one of the most iconic and best-selling sole models in the world today.

Almost ninety years later, the visionary approach remains unchanged: innovation, research, testing and improvement are the pillars that have made and continue to make Vibram a global company, present in over 120 countries and active in numerous market segments: outdoor, sports, fashion, lifestyle, military and, with an increasingly strategic focus, in the world of Work & Safety.

Workplace safety has become a global priority, and there is growing attention on personal protective equipment, starting with footwear. In this context, the sole is not just a component, but a real prevention tool.

Technologies such as Vibram Litebase, which allows for a drastic reduction in weight without compromising performance, or Vibram Traction Lug, which increases traction by up to 25% thanks to an innovative design, represent concrete responses to real needs. Behind every product is a continuous cycle of testing and development that starts in the laboratory, passes through the test park (with simulations in extreme conditions) and is completed in the field, with specialised operators testing the soles in real-life contexts.

More and more workers – from rope workers to forestry operators, from offshore platform technicians to chefs and catering professionals – are choosing footwear with Vibram soles to cope with long days, difficult environments and treacherous surfaces. Because when safety is essential, the difference can be seen in one very specific detail: the yellow octagon.

‘The Work&Safety sector is growing rapidly,’ explains Annalaura Gatto, EMEA Marketing Manager at Vibram. ‘We are constantly seeking real, measurable performance, with the aim of consistently exceeding our targets. We study every context, surface and movement requirement. For us, innovation means providing a concrete response to a real need, and we do this through technical precision, listening and co-design with our partners.’

Annalaura Gatto, Marketing Manager EMEA – Vibram

FASHION LINK MILANO: 5 trade fairs, one goal and a shared vision

FASHION LINK MILANO is a unified project that brings together the main Italian events dedicated to fashion and lifestyle, offering buyers from all over the world an integrated and comprehensive experience. Starting in February 2026, the five events will take place simultaneously at Fiera Milano (Rho), offering companies a unique opportunity for strategic development thanks to the creation of a structured platform that stimulates synergies between the various players in the sector, while allowing international buyers to explore, in just a few days, a diverse range of products including footwear, leather goods, jewellery, accessories, clothing, bridalwear, eveningwear and outerwear.

FASHION LINK MILANO is a programme that aims to provide a comprehensive, unified and global overview of fashion, from start to finish. From September 2026, it will be further enriched with the addition of the Lineapelle and Simac Tanning Tech trade fairs, offering a complete overview of the entire fashion supply chain – from raw materials through manufacturing with production technologies to the finished product.  The aim is to create a unique, efficient and functional destination that can meet the needs of global fashion, optimising time and resources and presenting an up-to-date overview of the Italian and international fashion system, as well as promoting new cross-selling opportunities. At the heart of it all remain the quality and craftsmanship of Made in Italy, a symbol of innovation, tradition and stylistic research with a strong international vocation.

ABC Fashion Event is born 

The new biannual event, designed to become a benchmark in the sector, will debut next October in the heart of Italian footwear production. The initiative is supported by the Region and the Marche Chamber of Commerce and involves local business and trade associations as well as trade fairs such as Micam and Expo riva Schuh & Gardabags. The aim is to offer companies in the supply chain a strategic platform for producers, distributors, buyers and style offices to meet, present new products and strengthen commercial contacts.

It is a unique opportunity to discover the latest trends, technological innovations and excellence in the region, further strengthening the position of the Fermo-Macerata district, which, with around 3,000 companies and over 20,000 employees, is one of the world’s most important centres for high-quality production in the footwear and accessories sector.

ABC Accessori Borse Calzature Fashion Event takes place in a context of great challenges for the entire footwear sector, which is grappling with the economic situation, trade tensions and supply difficulties. ‘We are trying to bring buyers closer to local companies, which have shown interest so far, but the audience will also have to include footwear and handbag manufacturers from our region and neighbouring regions,’ said Valentino Fenni, president of ‘Abc fashion event’.

In 2024, footwear production recovered, but export value declined

In 2024, global footwear production recovered, increasing by 6.9% and recovering the 1.5 billion pairs lost in 2023. This recovery was driven by increased consumption in key markets, including the United States (+168 million pairs), China (+469 million pairs) and the European Union (+121 million pairs). Footwear exports also improved in volume, increasing by 4.6% compared to the previous year. However, the total value of exports remained virtually unchanged, with growth of 0.1%. These are some of the main conclusions of the data published in the World Footwear Yearbook 2025, published by APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear Association.  The footwear industry remains heavily concentrated in Asia, where almost 9 out of 10 pairs of shoes are produced, accounting for 88% of global production. China continues to be the world’s largest footwear producer, with 13 billion pairs produced in 2024 and just over 54% of the global market share. India has further increased its share, now accounting for 12.5% of global production. Vietnam ranks third, with a 6.5% share.


GROWTH IN ASIAN FOOTWEAR CONSUMPTION ENDURES

In 2024, Asia’s footwear consumption accounted for more than half of the global total (55.5%), reflecting an increase over the previous year. North America and Europe followed, with shares of 13.6% and 13.5%, respectively. Per capita footwear consumption varies significantly across regions — from just 1.4 pairs in Africa to 4.8 pairs in North America. China remains the world’s leading consumer of footwear, having strengthened its share to 18.6% of global consumption. India follows with 13.3%, while the United States maintains its position in third place with a stable share of 9.8%.The European Union, considered as a single region, ranks fourth, with 2 069 million pairs consumed in 2024. 
 GLOBAL FOOTWEAR EXPORTS INCREASE IN 2024; CHINA CONTINUES TO LOSE SHARE

In 2024, global footwear exports increased by 4.6% in volume compared to the previous year, signalling a steady recovery in international trade. Asiaremained the dominant player, accounting for 85.1% of total exports — slightly above the 84.5% share recorded a decade earlier.Between 2015 and 2024, global footwear exports grew modestly in volume – up by 1.2% – but surged by 31.4% in value, rising from $129.2 billion to nearly $170 billion.Asian countries consolidated their dominance in the global footwear trade, with their collective share increasing from 84.6% in 2023 to 85.1% in 2024. Conversely, Europe’s share declined slightly to 12.6%.China remains the leading exporter, accounting for 62.2% of total exports, although its share continues to decline (down from 63.8% in 2023). Vietnamranks a distant second with 10.7%, followed by Indonesia at 4.1%. Together, these three countries account for more than three-quarters of global footwear exports. 
 AFTER A DECADE OF STEADY GROWTH, THE AVERAGE EXPORT PRICE OF FOOTWEAR DIPPED TO $11.47
 Over the past decade, the average export price of footwear rose significantly — from $8.83 per pair in 2015 to a peak of $11.98 in 2023 — marking a 36% increase. This upward trend reflected rising production costs, a shift toward higher-value products, and inflationary pressures across global supply chains. However, in 2024, this trend saw its first notable reversal, with the average price dipping to $11.47. This decline may indicate an adjustment in product mix or pricing strategies following two years of sharp value growth.  


MIPEL 128 at the starting blocks

From 7 to 9 September 2025, the leading international event for leather goods and accessories fashion previews returns to Pavilions 1 and 3 of Fiera Milano-Rho, in conjunction with MICAM Milano.

The 128th edition of MIPEL will exceptionally bring forward its dates, breaking with the traditional overlap with other fashion system trade fairs (Milano Fashion&Jewels, Lineapelle and TheOne Milano), due to the work that will be carried out on the exhibition centre in view of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

With a highly qualified audience and over 200 brands presenting their spring-summer 2026 collections, MIPEL is a crossroads of trends, inspiration and unmissable business opportunities for professionals. Thanks to the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) – through its international buyer incoming project – 23 selected professionals from 10 countries will be present.

The fair will be enriched by special projects and areas such as Drink & Deals, informal networking opportunities designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and business opportunities in a convivial atmosphere. MIPEL Factory will also be back in Hall 3, a veritable interactive laboratory where artisan excellence dialogues with the most advanced technological innovations, created in collaboration with Arsutoria and some of the leading companies in leather goods technology and supplies.

Also in Hall 3 will be the Trend Area, dedicated to the key trends for the SS2026 season, through a selection of bags and accessories that fully represent their essence.  The Italian Startup Project is also back, a space dedicated to a selection of promising young Italian brands that have distinguished themselves for their creativity, contemporary vision and ability to create products that meet market needs.  Finally, Showcase Milano will be back, the space where design meets research and craftsmanship.

The international vocation of the event is also expressed through its partnership with VIAMADEINITALY, the digital platform that connects over 24,000 buyers with Italian producers of excellence, offering Italian companies present at MIPEL an exclusive showcase and cutting-edge digital tools.

Finally, another sign of openness to the world comes from The Eastern Edge, the area inside Pavilions 3 and 5 dedicated to companies from emerging markets such as India, China and Pakistan, which – together with exhibitors from over 18 countries – contribute to making the fair a privileged observatory on global trends and developments in the sector.