Month: May 2026

The BFSHOW press conference, held on the morning of May 19, brought positive news for the sector. On the occasion, representatives from the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae), and NürnbergMesse Brasil (the trade show organizer) spoke about the sector’s expectations as well as the challenges faced by the industry. Executives from Perlatto Calçados, Lança Perfume, Bibi Calçados, and Grupo S2 also took part in the press conference. BFSHOW is organized by Abicalçados and takes place from May 18 to 20 at the Distrito Anhembi venue, in São Paulo/SP.

Highlighting that, in the first quarter, the footwear industry recorded a 7% drop in production, the Executive President of the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), Haroldo Ferreira, pointed to expectations of a recovery throughout the second half of the year. “In the second part of the year, we should reverse these negative figures, mainly driven by improved exports to the United States following the reduction of the 50% tariff and by the dynamics of the domestic market, which is generating strong business at BFSHOW,” he projected. According to him, with the expected recovery in the latter half of the year, industrial production could grow by up to 1.4% (to more than 859 million pairs).

Ferreira also emphasized optimism regarding the United States, following rumors about a possible return of import tariffs to 30%. “Yesterday, I spoke with Minister Márcio Elias (MDIC), who is responsible for negotiations with the United States government, and he reassured us that this tariff should not be implemented,” he said. “The continuation of the 10% global tariff keeps us competitive in the North American market, which is the main destination for Brazilian footwear abroad,” he explained.

Predatory footwear imports pose challenges to the industry
The Abicalçados executive also addressed the main challenges faced by the domestic footwear industry, highlighting predatory footwear imports—especially from Asia—and the end of the so-called “small parcels tax exemption.” “Over the past five years, footwear imports have increased by more than 90%, with a significant inflow of Asian products at unfair prices, as production costs there are not comparable to those we face here. Last year, imports rose by more than 20% in pairs, reaching the highest level in the historical series, which began in 1997,” he noted. According to him, the upward trend continues in 2026. In the first four months of the year, imports increased by 19% compared to the same period last year (to more than 19.6 million pairs). From China alone, 8.3 million pairs entered Brazil (a 29% increase compared to 2025). “The ‘small parcels tax exemption’ is another major challenge and is likely to further increase predatory imports, as it exempts from import duties products that already arrive here at much lower prices due to significantly lower production costs, since most Asian manufacturers do not take into account labor rights and sustainability practices. But we are not the ones in the wrong—they are,” the executive emphasized, adding that Abicalçados is working to reverse the measure in the National Congress. “If maintained, the measure will impact more than 54,000 jobs across the footwear production chain,” he warned.

Latin America’s Leading Trade Show
The biggest footwear trade show in Latin America Following that, the CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, João Paulo Picolo, spoke about the figures of the 6th edition of BFSHOW. “In about three years, the trade show has already established itself as the main meeting point for the industry in Latin America and an important market thermometer. BFSHOW represents the productive strength, creativity, and innovation capacity of the Brazilian industry, bringing together manufacturers, buyers, and industry professionals in an environment focused on generating business and strengthening strategic connections,” he emphasized. In this edition, BFSHOW brings together around 350 Brazilian brands showcasing collections, launches, and competitive advantages to more than 12,000 buyers, over 1,200 of whom come from 60 countries.

Internationalization efforts gain momentum
Floriano Pesaro, Corporate Management Director at the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), highlighted the agency’s support for the trade show, as in partnership with Abicalçados and BFSHOW itself, it brought more than 160 international buyers to the event through the Buyer Project. “We recently renewed the agreement for the Brazilian Footwear program—the export promotion program maintained by ApexBrasil in partnership with Abicalçados—for the next two years. Investment in the initiatives exceeds R$45 million, the highest level in the past 20 years,” he said.

Also speaking at the press conference were Tamiris Pereira Aberani, Planning Analyst at Sebrae/SP; Andrea Kohlrausch, President of Bibi; Manuela Roese, Head of the Bag & Shoes Business Unit at Lança Perfume; Thomas Simon, CEO of Grupo S2; and Wilson Cintra Junior, Managing Partner at Perlatto Calçados.

SERVICE
6th BFSHOW
Date: May 18-20, 2026
Time: May 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | May 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil
More information and registration: www.bfshow.com.br.

With interactive and fun booths, children’s brands are always among the highlights for visitors at BFSHOW, The biggest footwear tradeshow in Latin America. And at this 6th edition — promoted by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil (NMB) — it could not be any different. At Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo/SP, leading children’s footwear companies are showcasing collections that revive the spirit of “being a kid again,” featuring pins, lights, and plenty of colors.

At Pampili, LEDs share space with synthetic weaves inspired by handcrafted aesthetics, sparkles, and casual sneakers. The collection’s concept is based on girls’ behavior, reflecting the changes that come with each stage of childhood: more fashionforward styles for special occasions, featuring glitter and small heels, or more practical and comfortable options for everyday wear — such as the Bubblewith its ultra-light EPTU outsole. 

“Our biggest bet is also the models developed within thebarefoot" which prioritizes the body’s natural movement. We brought to the event this wider anatomical shape, which provides a sense of freedom in both sneakers and sandals,” explains Helô Vignoto, the brand’s designer, who also highlights buyers’ interest in the color palette: yellow, candy orange, and touches of blue. candy e toques de azul.

With the proposal of “rediscovering childhood,” Calçados Bibi brought to BFSHOW a Summer 2026 collection inspired by playfulness as its main concept and starting point. More than a trend, it is a manifesto: a revival of real experiences, free movement, and emotional connections that define childhood. To translate this concept, the collection was developed around four creative universes representing different ways of experiencing play: “playing by the sea,” “playing on the ground,” “playing racing games,” and “playing at picnics.” Elements such as seashells, flowers, and candies complement a color palette filled with vibrant and contemporary tones, enhancing the visual appeal and reinforcing the fashion of the brand.

Models such as the Summer Roller, Summer Roller Sport, and Summer Roller Light arrive at the trade show featuring new outsoles in their casual versions, along with proprietary-designed lights. Meanwhile, the exclusive Fisioflex insole technology continues to play a leading role, providing the sensation of walking barefoot — something considered essential for the healthy development of children’s feet. “Our expectation is to present Bibi’s latest releases firsthand to the BFSHOW audience. We are very optimistic about delivering a great event, especially with the Spring/Summer launches,” highlights Andrea Kohlrausch, president of Calçados Bibi.

Comfort is also one of the main concerns for Molekinho, from Beira Rio, which is introducing models featuring AdaptaCare technology in its new collection — an insole with higher edges designed to help prevent feet from slipping, along with a wider front area. Easy-on designs are also among the most sought-after features, as they simplify the routine for both parents and children. Other key bets include adjustable buckles and lugged grip outsoles, which enhance safety for kids.

At Molekinha, the season’s highlight is the candy color palette which brings freshness, delicacy, and a playful atmosphere to the children’s universe. The sandal model combines the handcrafted aesthetic of woven uppers with touches of sparkle that brighten girls’ looks. Already a hit among adults, sneakerinas too gaining space in the new collection, blending the delicate look of ballet flats with the comfort of sneakers.

Both brands feature elements inspired by the Lekinho and Lekinha characters, a children’s program connected to the products and published on YouTube. “The children’s segment is currently one of the company’s growth drivers. In addition to investing in new collections with greater comfort and technology, we also bring playful and fashion elements into the products,” concludes Maribel Silva, Commercial and Marketing Director at Calçados Beira Rio. 

The official opening of the 6th edition of BFSHOW, The biggest footwear tradeshow in Latin America, which brings together around 350 Brazilian brands at the Distrito Anhembi venue, in São Paulo/SP, underscored the strength of the sector. The fifth largest employer within the Manufacturing Industry, with approximately 270,000 direct jobs across Brazil, the segment is the largest footwear producer in the West, with more than 847 million pairs produced in 2025. Held by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) and organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil (NMB), the trade show runs through next Wednesday, May 20. 

At the opening, Abicalçados’ Executive President, Haroldo Ferreira, pointed to the figures that have positioned BFSHOW as The biggest footwear tradeshow in Latin America in less than three years — its first edition took place in November 2023. Across its editions, the event has welcomed more than 47,000 visitors from all Brazilian states and over 60 countries. For this edition alone, the trade show is expected to receive more than 12,000 visitors, around 1,200 of whom are international, in a 32,000-square-meter venue. “BFSHOW represents much more than business. It symbolizes Brazil’s production strength, the innovative capacity of our industry, and the sector’s confidence in the future. We are living through a period of profound transformation in the global economy. Consumption dynamics have changed, e-commerce has expanded borders, international competition has intensified, and markets are becoming increasingly challenging. Yet the Brazilian footwear industry continues to demonstrate its capacity for adaptation, creativity, and competitiveness,” he said, adding that BFSHOW reflects the “evolution of the sector” amid contemporary challenges. 

Following that, the CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil (NMB), João Paulo Picolo, emphasized the resilience of exhibitors amid a “challenging moment.” “Today we open the 6th edition of BFSHOW, an event that reaffirms the strength of the Brazilian footwear sector. A platform designed to connect the entire production chain, fostering opportunities, business, and strategic exchanges among exhibitors, buyers, and visitors. More than a trade show, BFSHOW has consolidated its position as a high value-added platform that delivers results, strengthens relationships, and drives market growth for all participants,” he said. 

Also present at the opening, the Minister of Development, Industry and Commerce, Márcio Elias Rosa, highlighted the importance of the footwear sector to the Brazilian economy, noting that the government is aligned with Abicalçados’ agenda aimed at strengthening the activity, particularly in the face of predatory competition from Asian imports. “We are attentive to all matters involving the sector’s competitiveness, including those related to the end of the low-value import tax exemption, widely discussed here. We are evaluating measures to mitigate its impacts,” he said. 

Also speaking at the opening of BFSHOW were the Corporate Management Director of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Floriano Pesaro; the president of CIESP, Rafael Cervone; the president of the Congressional Front in Support of the Leather and Footwear Sector in the National Congress, federal deputy Lucas Redecker; the president of the Parliamentary Front in Defense of the Leather-Footwear Sector of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, state deputy Joel Wilhelm; the acting governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Gabriel Souza; and the Customer Service Manager at Sebrae/SP, Daniel Palácio Alves. 

During the opening, the Footwear Industry Report – Brazil 2026 was also launched, a publication developed by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) featuring national and international industry data, as well as short- and medium-term projections for the sector. The material is available free of charge at the link. link.


SERVICE
6th BFSHOW
Date: May 18-20, 2026
Time: May 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | May 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil
More information and registration: www.bfshow.com.br.