Tamil Nadu is rapidly cementing itself as India’s leader in non-leather footwear production, with major investments and government-backed initiatives fueling the sector’s expansion, The Times of India reports.
The state already contributes 38% of India’s total footwear output, and new manufacturing parks in Ranipet and Perambalur are expected to generate 1.3 lakh jobs, with 50% reserved for women. Companies like Pou Chen, Hong Fu, and Phoenix-Kothari Group are ramping up production, driven by increasing global demand.
“The global footwear industry is witnessing a shift in consumer preferences towards casual and athleisure products. This trend is influencing the market dynamics between leather and non-leather footwear,”
Aqeel Panaruna, Director and JV partner, Grand Atlantia Panapakkam SEZ Private Limited (a part of Hong Fu International, Taiwan)
“With initiatives such as the dedicated Footwear and Leather Products Policy 2022 and advanced industry-academia collaboration through WorkLabs, we are building an ecosystem that supports both large manufacturers and MSMEs,”
Industries minister T R B Rajaa.
State finance secretary T Udhayachandran pointed to Tamil Nadu’s strategic policies and industrial infrastructure as key factors in its growing dominance. With the global non-leather footwear market expected to surpass $38 billion by 2030, the state is positioning itself as a major export hub.
Read the full article on The Times of India
