Portuguese footwear industry strengthened its recovery in September, consolidating the positive cycle seen throughout 2025. Between January and September, the country exported 53.3 million pairs of shoes worth 1.32 billion euros, rising 3.8% in volume and 2.1% in value compared with the same period last year.
The figures underscore the sector’s resilience and competitiveness in a challenging global environment.
Strong gains were recorded across several segments during the nine-month period.
Safety footwear exports rose 17% in value, children’s footwear increased 6%, and textile footwear jumped 18.8%. Leather footwear, which accounts for the bulk of Portugal’s exports, maintained a stable value despite international margin and price pressures.
Europe remained the dominant destination, absorbing around 80% of total exports. Shipments to the region grew 5.9% in volume, reaching 47 million pairs, and 4.4% in value to 1.098 billion euros compared with the first nine months of 2024.
Germany and Spain posted notable increases, up 11.3% to 372 million euros and 20.6% to 139 million euros, respectively. France, a traditionally significant market, saw a marginal decline of 0.4% to 263 million euros.
Outside Europe, the U.S. market continued its gradual recovery following a volatile start to the year. Although exports to the United States remain down 7.9%, the drop is far smaller than the sharp declines recorded in the first quarter. In Asia, South Korea grew 18.2% while Japan increased 4.8%, with each market nearing the three-million-euro mark.
APICCAPS president Luís Onofre said the results demonstrate “the enormous adaptability of the Portuguese industry at a time of great complexity”, noting that companies have been quick to respond to shifting consumer behavior. He added that sustained investment has strengthened the sector’s ability to compete globally.
September marked a clear reversal of the negative trend seen in 2024, reinforcing the recovery that began early this year. “This did not happen by chance”, Onofre said. “It is the result of a collective strategy and substantial investment”.
BUSINESS GENERAL | Saudi Trade Mission Advances Commercial Ties With Syria
