Portuguese footwear industry outperforms European peers
Portugal's footwear sector posted strong export growth in early 2025, outperforming other major European producers.
From January to April, exports reached 26 million pairs, worth €576 million, a 6.2% increase year on year.
In contrast, Spanish exports stabilised and Italian exports declined by 4.1%. With average European growth at 2.8%, Portugal recorded the best performance in the region.
APICCAPS president Luís Onofre attributed the results to continued investment in technology, including €100 million in projects under the national Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Outside Europe, China and Turkey reported export declines of 8.3% and 14.6% respectively, while Indonesia and Vietnam increased overseas sales.
To reduce reliance on traditional markets, Portugal is targeting new regions. Extra-EU exports now represent 19% of the sector’s total. South Korea is a current focus, with 11 Portuguese companies set to take part in a “Portuguese Shoes Showcase” in Seoul from July 15 to 17.
