Brazilian footwear exports dropped 9% in the first six months of 2005. According to the Brazilian footwear manufacturers’ association, Abicalçados, exports fell from 113 million pairs in the first half of 2004 to 103 million pairs in the same period in 2005. However, despite a fall in the volume of footwear, the value of exports actually increased with revenue rising from $842.4 million in the 2004 period to $921.4 million this year, a 9% increase.

This is a result of the average price of Brazilian footwear having risen 20% from $7.45 per pair to $8.94 per pair year-on-year.

“We have managed to remain competitive in higher added value products, a market niche which allows us to adjust prices," commented Heitor Klein, managing director of Abicalçados. 

The industry had expected to increase exports by 15% in 2005, but reaching this target now seems unlikely due to the problems facing the sector such as high inflation and currency factors.