According to statistics from Fujian customs, shoe export to the EU have dropped sharply since the EU adopted an automatic import licensing system on footwear products made in China in February.
The statistics show that shoe exports from key shoe production areas of the province have all witnessed a sharp drop in exports since the implementation of the system. In the first quarter from January to March, Fujian’s provincial capital, Fuzhou City, exported shoes worth $65.21 million, an increase of 31.7% compared with last year. However, since the licensing system was introduced exports to the EU have fallen to $16.38 million (15.32 million pairs), a 17.3% compared with last year. The statistics also showed the export unit price of Fujian shoes has risen by around 25% due to the rising costs of raw material and shipping freight.
According to the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) many shoe-exporters in Fujian are now focusing on new markets since the EU’s adoption of the automatic import licensing system, looking towards the USA and other major economies.
