The Portuguese footwear industry is setting ambitious goals for the future. It is aiming to double its technical footwear exports to 100 million euros by the end of this decade. Industry leaders believe the goal is well within reach, especially with the help of a major project named FAIST.
FAIST is bringing together 45 partners to help develop new technology and offer top-notch solutions to footwear companies. These advancements are expected to boost production, improve efficiency, and open doors to large international contracts.
“We are paying close attention to the anticipated increase in defence spending”
Luís Onofre, President, APICCAPS
Portugal already has a history of supplying European military and security forces. As NATO countries plan to raise their defence budgets, the industry sees a fresh chance to grow its presence in the technical footwear market.
FAIST’s coordinator, Florbela Silva, says the reindustrialisation of the sector and the shift to high-productivity methods have helped Portuguese companies make footwear faster and at better prices. This is helping them enter major global supply chains.
The Portuguese industry is not only equipped with modern technology but also has the skills and capacity needed for large-scale production. It is already supplying major security forces through public tenders, and this will only increase with current investments.
“We have the knowledge and installed capacity, and we are prepared to expand our offering, even into the military segment”
Reinaldo Teixeira, President, Footwear Technology Centre
Industry experts believe Portugal has everything it needs to become a global leader in technical footwear. The increase in global defence investments only strengthens its position in this niche.
Over the years, Portugal’s professional footwear segment has kept up with global trends, regulations, and consumer needs. As safety standards became stricter, companies responded with greater innovation in materials and production.
Looking ahead, Luís Onofre thinks the target of 100 million euros might actually be too modest.
“The forecast of doubling exports of technical footwear to 100 million euros by 2030 could be revised upwards”
Luís Onofre, President, APICCAPS
Source – worldfootwear.com
