According to consultant Peter Kern, speaking at the recent India International Leather Fair (IILF), the Indian shoe industry has great export potential to expand in the European and Eastern European markets.

Although China was the largest global footwear producer in 2004, manufacturing 6,900 million of pairs (mprs) of leather/other shoes, India was the second largest producer with 690 mprs. Brazil manufactured 642 mprs, Indonesia 509 mprs, Vietnam 360 mprs, Italy 335 mprs, Thailand 270 mprs, Pakistan 245 mprs, Turkey 215 mprs and Mexico 194 mprs.

The USA remained the main importer of footwear with 1,896 mprs followed by Hong Kong at 772 mprs, Japan at 471 mprs, Gemany at 343 mprs, UK at 315 mprs, France at 290 mprs, Italy at 225 mprs, Russia at 144 mprs, the Netherlands at 122 mprs and Poland at 95 mprs.

China was also the largest exporter at 4,300 mprs.

Mr Kern said, "In the coming years, China and Vietnam are going to dominate the low and middle price segments. Lifestyle and complete outfit concepts are going to play a major role in future." He claimed that the number of European factories would decline further and traders and large- and medium-sized retailers will increase their global orientation and sourcing.

Regarding the Indian shoe and leather goods industry today, he said, "India has developed into one of the most important leather shoe and leathergoods industries world-wide. It has an excellent strategic position within Asia for fashion items. It has an excellent industry infra-structure supported by component industries, the availability of raw material and a skilled workforce."

He urged Indian shoe manufacturers to pay attention to the country’s distribution policy, improve its quality and delivery period and to focus on chain stores.