Data released last week by the industry association Abicalcados (Associacao Brasileira da Industria de Calcados) shows that last year, Brazil’s footwear exports totalled US$1.1billion.

Exports are forecast to come in 15%-20% above this figure in 2001, with 70% going to the U.S. Although orders were up 10% year-on-year during August, they were down in September because of the slowdown in the American economy.

Abicalcados member Bibi Calcados reported separately that it is looking to produce 5 million pairs in 2001, with 15% going for export. By comparison, the company produced 4.3million pairs last year, 11% of which went for export.

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