The Brazilian footwear industry is on the path to recovery after enduring a tumultuous period during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Historically, this sector has been heavily dependent on the domestic market, where over 85% of its production is sold. However, pandemic-driven restrictions on physical retail caused a sharp decline in demand, impacting production levels across the country.
In 2019, Brazilian footwear manufacturers produced around 898 million pairs. But in 2020, due to pandemic restrictions, production plummeted to 746 million pairs.
This significant drop reflected the challenges faced as consumers shifted to online shopping, and physical stores closed or operated at limited capacity.
In the following years, however, production numbers began to stabilize, with gradual increases to 855 million pairs in 2021 and 886 million pairs in 2022, before dipping slightly to 865 million pairs in 2023.
Looking ahead, the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) is optimistic about the sector’s recovery. For 2024, Abicalçados projects a production increase of up to 3.2%, potentially surpassing 890 million pairs.
This marks a significant milestone in the industry’s recovery journey, with projections for 2025 indicating a full return to pre-pandemic production levels.
Abicalçados anticipates a modest growth of 1.9% next year, bringing production numbers to an estimated 904 million pairs.
Abicalçados attributes much of the industry’s revival to the strengthening domestic market, which had previously weighed down the industry’s performance. Now, several factors are driving this renewed demand.
Declining unemployment rates and rising income levels among Brazilians have led to an increase in consumer spending, particularly on footwear.
Haroldo Ferreira, the Executive President of Abicalçados, reports that domestic footwear consumption has seen a 9% rise between January and September 2024, including imported footwear.
With these positive market indicators, Brazilian retailers are now looking to expand their inventories, particularly as the year-end holiday season approaches—a period historically significant for footwear sales.
“Retailers need to stock up, especially with the holidays around the corner. The expectations are high, and we are optimistic.”
Haroldo Ferreira, the Executive President of Abicalçados
To support this increased demand, the Brazilian Footwear Show (BFSHOW), the country’s largest footwear trade event, is set to host its third edition in November.
The event promises to be a major platform for showcasing Brazil’s latest Fall-Winter collections and providing retailers with immediate access to ready-to-ship inventory.
“BFSHOW has become a crucial venue for our industry, particularly now, as the increase in demand requires suppliers to meet urgent stocking needs. Expectations for this edition are the highest we’ve seen.”
Haroldo Ferreira, the Executive President of Abicalçados
With over 290 confirmed brands, BFSHOW will bring together domestic and international buyers looking to secure inventory for the holiday season and beyond.
