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.  

According to the study, the Italian sector has gone through alternating phases: after growing by +0.4% in the period 2019-2023, it recorded a significant contraction of -9.4% in 2023-2024. However, historical analysis of the last 160 years (1861-2022) shows the extraordinary resilience of Made in Italy, which has been able to overcome global crises and momentous economic transformations.

The survey highlights a fundamental paradigm shift: uncertainty should not be seen as a limitation, but as a competitive advantage. According to the analysis, it becomes a limitation when a company is too dependent on a single market, lacks risk plans or diversified supply chains, or when human capital is unable to recognise the signs of change.

It becomes an advantage when the company invests in resilience through diversified markets and smart inventories, exploits flexibility and creativity, distinctive features of the Italian model, and uses uncertainty to enhance the reliability of Made in Italy compared to suppliers more exposed to geopolitical risks.

The analysis also highlighted the importance of the Italy 2030 Plan, a strategic project based on a cultural transformation that moves ‘From Resistance to Vision, From Resilience to Ambition’, structured around four pillars: Vision, Challenges, Game Changers and Priorities.  In particular, the strategy is divided into six concrete actions, defined as “reasons for future success”: acting and planning with a systemic approach, not alone; leveraging new technologies; rethinking organisational models; growing by exporting value; promoting Made in Italy; innovating the business model.

These actions must be viewed in a context where Italy is the world’s third largest exporter of footwear, with particular strength in high value-added segments. The geographical diversification of exports to EU countries4 underlines the strength of European trade relations, while growth in emerging markets opens up new opportunities.

The study concludes with a key message: ‘Improving the lives of those who choose Made in Italy’. An approach focused on value and quality of life for consumers is therefore the key to transforming the current difficult period into a springboard for the future.

“The US administration’s decision to set tariffs at 15% on imports from the European Union, which also includes products from the companies we represent, is the “lesser evil” we can face. Although less punitive than the initial proposals for even higher tariffs, this decision will still have an overall negative impact on the fashion accessories sector: we must remember that the weakening of the dollar is already a contributing factor. The risk is that it will slow down investment, employment and growth at a time when the economic and geopolitical situation is already fragile.” – said Giovanna Ceolini, President of Confindustria Accessori Moda.

Tariffs on imports from the European Union are a significant burden on the sector, significantly affecting company margins and the competitiveness of Italian companies in the United States, one of the key markets for Made in Italy exports.

The fashion accessories sector – which includes footwear, leather goods, tanning and fur – exported almost €3 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2024. This performance, despite a slight decline of 3.5% compared to 2023, demonstrates the strength of Italian exports.