In the first three months of the year, the country exported 20 million pairs of shoes, bringing in €453 million with a 4.9% increase in volume and a 5.4% rise in value compared to the same period last year.
The European Union remained the top buyer, receiving 18 million pairs from January to March. That’s a 6.6% jump in quantity and an 8.3% increase in value, totaling €382 million.
Some of the best performances came from:
- Germany, up 18.8% to €114 million
- France, up 1.3% to €96 million
- Spain, with a significant 31% rise to €46 million
But not all markets showed growth. Exports to the Netherlands dropped by 5.6%, reaching €49 million.
Outside the EU, the United Kingdom showed promising signs, with a 9% increase, totaling €27 million.
However, the United States and Canada presented concerns. Exports to the U.S. dropped 12.7% to €18 million and Canada fell 14% to just €4 million. The industry is especially worried about the U.S. market following new tariff announcements.
“We are going through a moment of great uncertainty,”
Luís Onofre, President, APICCAPS
Although Portugal already exports over 90% of its footwear to 170 countries, the U.S. remains a key focus for the next decade.
“The current situation is concerning, but we will not give up on the market,”
Luís Onofre, President, APICCAPS
The U.S. is the world’s largest footwear market, importing nearly 2 billion pairs every year worth about 26 billion dollars. For Portugal, the U.S. ranks sixth among export destinations, with sales doubling in the past decade to reach around €100 million last year.
Overall, 90% of Portuguese footwear production was exported in early 2025 to buyers in 170 markets across five continents.
According to Luís Onofre, the year ahead is expected to help strengthen Portugal’s place in global footwear markets.
Source – APICCAPS
