According to data released by the US Department of Commerce, footwear imports from China, Vietnam and Hong Kong continue to climb in 2004, whilst the presence of traditional suppliers including Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Thailand, Mexico, Taiwan and Spain is decreasing substantially.

Imports from China rose by 11.4% in the first eight months of 2004, giving the country control of 83.5% of all US footwear imports. Imports from Vietnam increased by 44.6% and from Hong Kong by 115.9% during the same period.

“The overall US footwear import market continues to grow, showing US footwear firms continue to give US consumers what they want — an even wider variety of higher quality shoes at reasonable prices,” said Kevin Burke, president and CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association.