Month: February 2025

The rising domestic demand for footwear fueled the industry’s production growth in 2024. Data compiled by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), based on IBGE indexes, show that production grew by 3.5% compared to 2023. In total, 896.8 million pairs were produced, with 97.4 million destined for export.

Abicalçados’ executive president, Haroldo Ferreira, explains that production growth could have been even higher if not for the surge in imported footwear, particularly from Asia. Last year, imports increased by 26% compared to 2023, with about 90% of these imports coming from Asian countries, mainly Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. “Today, over 85% of our production is absorbed by the domestic market, which remained strong throughout 2024, with apparent consumption growing by 7.7%. However, a significant share of this positive domestic performance was captured by imports,” says Ferreira.

Close to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The 896.8 million pairs produced in 2024 nearly matched the volume recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, when production reached 898.8 million pairs—just 0.2% higher than last year. Looking ahead to 2025, despite ongoing challenges, particularly in the international market, the sector is expected to recover losses caused by the global pandemic crisis. “2025 will be a challenging year, but we remain optimistic. In May, with BFSHOW—the largest footwear trade show in Latin America, held in São Paulo—we will have a clearer gauge of market trends,” Ferreira projects.

BFSHOW
BFSHOW is set to host more than 350 Brazilian footwear brands, welcoming retailers and importers from around the world. Taking place from May 19 to 21 at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, the event will showcase Summer collections, which account for over 70% of the domestic footwear industry's sales. More information is available at www.bfshow.com.br. www.bfshow.com.br.

The leading footwear trade show in Latin America, BFSHOW, will be 30% bigger in its fourth edition. Taking place from May 19 to 21 at the Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, the event will cover a total area of 31,900 square meters, up from 22,500 square meters in May 2024. Organized by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and NürnbergMesse Brasil, the upcoming edition has already sold over 80% of its available spaces.

Abicalçados’ Executive President, Haroldo Ferreira, points out that despite an uncertain scenario, especially in international markets, expectations for the trade show remain strong. “The Summer collections to be showcased at BFSHOW account for more than 70% of the Brazilian footwear industry’s annual sales. Both exhibitors and buyers recognize that this is the ideal moment to stock up for a year in which we anticipate a 2% increase in production, driven primarily by the domestic market,” says Ferreira.

Latin America’s Leading Trade Show
João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, highlights the event’s growth, as it solidifies its position as the region’s most important business platform for the footwear industry in both scale and exhibitor quality. “BFSHOW brings together all the leading Brazilian footwear brands, attracting a significant number of buyers from across the country and five continents,” says Picolo. The upcoming edition is expected to feature more than 350 Brazilian footwear brands, representing all industry segments and production hubs.

A Democratic Space
BFSHOW is an exclusive platform for showcasing Brazilian footwear manufacturers, whether or not they are Abicalçados members. Exhibit spaces are still available—companies can apply by filling out the form at the link https://bfshow.com.br/expositor/.