Research and Markets has announced the addition of the Global Sources report: China Sourcing Report: Casual Footwear to their offering. The research revealed that China is the world’s largest producer of casual footwear, accounting for 60% of global output in the line. In 2003, the country exported 6 billion pairs, worth $13 billion. Its main export markets are North America, the EU and Asia. The US alone absorbs $5 billion worth of China-made footwear each year.

China’s casual footwear suppliers offer walking and comfort shoes, sandals and clogs, and casual boots. Walking and comfort shoes are the biggest line, making up 42% of export production. Sandals and clogs account for 32% and casual boots 26%. Only around one-third of China footwear suppliers produce boots.

Suppliers make uppers mostly from genuine leather, PU, PVC, nylon mesh, microfiber and canvas. Soles come in EVA, phylon, TPR, PU, PVC, Modal, Texon, cork and rubber.

Mainly due to rising material costs, but partly because of increased plant expenditure, nearly half of the companies interviewed plan to hike product prices in coming months to maintain profit margins. But to keep an edge over competing countries such as India, Vietnam and Indonesia, suppliers in China are minimising price increases while improving quality and developing value-added designs.