In an alarming development for the Brazilian footwear industry, the country saw a significant spike in the import of Chinese shoes in June 2024.
According to the latest data from the Brazilian Footwear Industry Association (Abicalçados), over 705,000 pairs of Chinese footwear entered Brazil during this period, marking an astounding 261% increase compared to the same month in 2023.
This rise in imports is part of a broader trend that has seen a total of 3.3 million pairs of footwear imported into Brazil in June alone—a 63.7% rise from the previous year.
China is not the only country contributing to this influx. Vietnam, which ranks just above China, also saw a significant increase in its footwear exports to Brazil, recording a 57.8% growth in June 2024 compared to the previous year.
The cumulative effect of these imports has led to a total of 18.72 million pairs of shoes entering Brazil in the first half of 2024, reflecting an 11.4% increase over the same period last year.
| Country | June 2023 | June 2024 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 195,000 pairs | 705,000 pairs | +261% |
| Vietnam | 1.4 million pairs | 2.2 million pairs | +57.8% |
| Total Imports | 2 million pairs | 3.3 million pairs | +63.7% |
While imports are on the rise, Brazil’s footwear exports are showing a worrying decline. In June 2024, the country exported just 5.5 million pairs of shoes, representing a 26.2% drop from the same period in 2023.
Over the first six months of the year, Brazilian footwear exports reached 48.45 million pairs, a sharp 25.5% decrease compared to the first half of 2023.
| Country | H1 2023 | H1 2024 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Exports | 65 million pairs | 48.45 million pairs | -25.5% |
“The foreign market is being flooded with Chinese shoes, an unfair competition with any other producing country in the world,”
Haroldo Ferreira, the Executive President of Abicalçados
He further highlighted that these shoes are often sold at prices below market value, under conditions that do not meet international labor standards, and with little regard for environmental impact.
The situation is particularly troubling in Latin America, a key market for Brazilian footwear. During the first half of 2024, Chinese footwear exports to Latin American countries increased by 19.8%.
Ferreira pointed out that this growth poses a significant threat to Brazil’s market share in the region, where Latin American countries have traditionally been major consumers of Brazilian-made shoes.
| Country | Brazilian Exports H1 2023 | Brazilian Exports H1 2024 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 5.31 million pairs | 5.11 million pairs | -3.8% |
| Argentina | 7.85 million pairs | 4.6 million pairs | -41.4% |
| Paraguay | 5.2 million pairs | 3.9 million pairs | -25% |
Despite these challenges, the Brazilian footwear industry remains one of the largest globally, primarily serving its domestic market.
According to the World Footwear 2023 Yearbook, Brazil experienced a record export high in 2022, surpassing $1.3 billion in export value.
The United States and various South American nations have traditionally been the primary destinations for Brazilian footwear, particularly the iconic yellow and green shoes.
In conclusion, the dramatic rise in Chinese footwear imports poses a serious challenge to Brazil’s domestic industry, which is already grappling with declining exports. As Chinese and Vietnamese products flood the Brazilian market, local manufacturers face the dual threats of unfair competition and a shrinking share in crucial export markets. The situation calls for urgent measures to protect the industry, ensure fair trade practices, and preserve Brazil’s position as a leading global footwear producer.
