US shoe buyers ‘surprisingly flexible’ on tariffs, says Abicalçados
Carla Giordani, from Brazilian shoe association Abicalçados, has said 32 companies have collectively earnt $5.5 million from two US trade shows in August, which is “surprisingly positive”, given the 50% tariffs on Brazilian products.
She said: “There is a very positive movement among US buyers, who say they are willing to negotiate the payment of extra tariffs in order to maintain the supply of Brazilian footwear.”
At the Atlanta Shoe Market, 22 Brazilian companies sold 150,00 pairs, generating $3 million. Twelve Brazilian footwear companies sold 140,000 pairs at Magic Las Vegas, generating $2.5 million.
Wagner Kirsch, director of distributor GVD International, said the company attended Atlanta Shoe Market with “lowered expectations”. “The trade show proved to be successful,” he said. “Over the three days, we closed deals and developed important new contacts, despite a nervous market,” He added US buyers showed optimism about a resolution to the trade dispute.
The US takes a third of Brazilian footwear exports.
