Italian shoe markets are experiencing a surge in demand for Indian leather, and it is a trend shared across the continent. Exports of leather shoes to Italy leaped over 100% in the period 2001-2002 compared to the previous year. Indian footwear exports to Austria and Belgium jumped 42%; those to the Netherlands went up 41.5%; Germany saw a 36% increase; and the UK market grew 15%.

Despite the upturn in European markets, however, exports of Indian leather shoes to the US have slumped. It has been suggested that a reduction in consumer spending, and a dearth in tourism to India following September 11 is responsible for the decline.

Interestingly, Indian exports of footwear components have rapidly increased in the US, by 29%, and have either fallen (UK 13% fall) or only slightly increased in European countries (Germany 7% up; Italy 14%).

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