Few Brazilian industrial sectors enjoyed such good results as the leather, shoe and allied trade machinery industry in 2004. According to ABRAMEQ – the Brazilian Association of Manufacturers of Machines and Equipment for the Leather, Footwear and Allied Trades – exports in 2004 reached $13.6 million, a 60% increase compared with $ 8.5 million recorded in 2003.

Raul Ludwig, president of ABRAMEQ, said, "This significant result is directly connected to the investment and creativity of Brazilian manufacturers in the development of innovative technologies that meet market requirements through simple solutions at competitive prices.”

In 2004, shoe machines accounted for $11.1 million of exports to 32 countries. Mexico was the main importer purchasing 4.4 million worth of machinery last year, while Argentina and Chile imported 2.9 million and $821,000 respectively.

As for leather machinery, 18 countries imported Brazilian goods worth a total of $2.5 million, with Uruguay ($646,000) and Mexico ($626,000) topping the list of importers.

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