Brazil’s footwear industry began 2025 with solid performance, as new data from the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) based on figures released by the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex), indicates a notable rise in both export volume and revenue during the first half of the year.

From January to June, Brazil shipped 52.7 million pairs of shoes, bringing in US$497.34 million. That’s an 8.8% jump in volume and a 3% rise in revenue compared to the same period in 2024.

June alone saw a big boost. Shoe exports hit 6.87 million pairs and earned US$70.17 million. That’s up 24.5% in volume and 11.2% in revenue over June last year.

“Export growth was driven by the United States and also by Colombia, which accounted for nearly 18% of all shipments in June”

Haroldo Ferreira, Executive President, Abicalçados

He credited the growth to Brazil’s active presence at global trade fairs and the shift in U.S. buyers away from Asian-made footwear amid ongoing trade tensions with China.

The United States remains Brazil’s largest customer. In June, the U.S. bought 1 million pairs for US$20.76 million. Compared to June 2024, this is a 39.4% increase in volume and a 25.4% rise in revenue.

During the full six months, U.S. imports reached 5.8 million pairs and US$111.8 million up 13.5% in quantity and 7.2% in earnings.

Argentina, Brazil’s second-largest market, saw a dip in June with 665,000 pairs and US$10 million in value down 6% in volume and 20.3% in revenue year-over-year.

Still, the first-half performance was strong, with 6.4 million pairs worth US$103.9 million exported with 39% more in volume and 12.6% more in value than last year.

Colombia took the third spot in June, showing an unexpected spike in demand. Imports soared to 1.23 million pairs worth US$4.34 million a massive 215.8% rise in volume and 210.3% in value compared to June 2024.

However, over six months, while volume dipped 2.7%, revenue still climbed by 4.4%.