Portugal’s footwear exports increased in 2025, with shipments rising 1.8 percent in volume and 0.8 percent in value compared to the previous year, according to data released the sector’s association APICCAPS. The industry exported 68 million pairs of shoes last year, generating revenues of €1.718 billion.
The figures, based on statistics from the National Institute of Statistics, reflect what APICCAPS described as a moderate but positive performance within a demanding international trade environment. The association noted that the global footwear market remains marked economic volatility and commercial uncertainty, making the sector’s growth particularly noteworthy.
In 2024, Portuguese footwear exports totalled 66.7 million pairs, worth €1.705 billion. The latest results indicate steady expansion despite headwinds affecting major global producers. According to APICCAPS, several traditionally dominant countries in the footwear industry recorded declines in exports. Italy saw a 1 percent drop in export value, while Spain registered a 3 percent decrease. Among the world’s largest producers, China experienced an 11 percent fall in exports, Turkey recorded a 13 percent decline and Brazil saw a contraction of nearly 2 percent.
The Portuguese industry’s performance in 2025 was largely supported growth in European markets. Exports to Europe increased 3.3 percent, reaching €1.42 billion. European demand helped offset challenges in other regions and reinforced the sector’s reliance on nearmarkets where Portuguese brands have established strong reputations for quality and design.
The North American market proved more challenging. Exports to the United States fell 12.3 percent, dropping to €84 million. APICCAPS highlighted that if performance in the US had met expectations, overall results for 2025 would have been significantly stronger. The association attributed the weaker performance in the US to ongoing commercial instability and shifting retail dynamics.
Paulo Gonçalves, chief executive of APICCAPS, said the results demonstrate the adaptability and competitiveness of the Portuguese footwear industry in a particularly difficult global context. He noted that key European markets such as Germany and France are showing signs of slow and moderate recovery, while instability persists in the United States.
Gonçalves also pointed to structural changes within the European independent retail sector. The closure of thousands of retail outlets across the continent has placed additional pressure on manufacturers and exporters. Despite these challenges, Portuguese companies have continued to focus on higher value added segments, emphasizing quality, innovation, design and responsiveness to market trends.
Industry leaders stress that maintaining international competitiveness will require ongoing investment in modernization and adaptation to evolving global trade conditions. As uncertainty continues to shape global commerce, the Portuguese footwear sector’s steady growth underscores its resilience and strategic positioning within the European manufacturing landscape.
