The 7th edition of BFSHOW, the largest footwear trade show in Latin America, held at the Distrito Anhembi venue in São Paulo, Brazil, from November 10–12, hosted the footwear sector’s national press conference. The trade show, presented by the Brazilian Footwear Industry and Trade Association (Abicalçados) and organized by NürnbergMesse Brasil (NMB), brings together around 300 brands and is expected to welcome more than 10,500 buyers from Brazil and 50 other countries over the three days.

During the press conference, Abicalçados Executive President Haroldo Ferreira highlighted the sector’s efforts to diversify international markets as a way to partially offset difficulties with shipments to the United States, due to the 37.5% tariff imposed by Donald Trump, and to Argentina, amid the crisis facing the neighboring country. He also emphasized the positive results achieved through the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, which has been in effect since May. Between May and October, exports to countries in the bloc increased by more than 35% compared with the same period last year. Overall, footwear exports from January to October this year totaled 87.8 million pairs and US$708.4 million, down 6.2% and 13.5%, respectively, compared with the same period in 2025. “Were it not for the difficulties in the United States and Argentina, our two main international markets, footwear exports would be up 3.8% in 2026,” he said. According to him, the market diversification efforts carried out by Abicalçados in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) have been—and continue to be—essential in preventing a greater decline in shipments.

According to Ferreira, difficulties with exports, the slowdown in domestic consumer demand—which fell 4.3% through September—and pressure from footwear imports, both through conventional channels and international e-commerce platforms, led to a 5.3% decline in footwear production between January and September compared with the same period last year. “This had an impact on employment in the sector. Over the past six months, we lost 7,000 jobs, ending September with 270,000 direct jobs, 6.2% fewer than in the same period last year,” he said.

Negotiations
The Abicalçados executive said that, in light of these challenges, the association is in discussions with the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) and the Ministry of Finance, seeking to have Brazilian footwear included on a list of products exempt from U.S. tariffs, to establish safeguard mechanisms to protect the domestic industry against predatory imports, and to reinstate the so-called “blusinhas tax” (tax on low-value international purchases) to curb imports through online platforms. “Today, international platforms, which are exempt from import taxes on shipments valued at up to US$50, create unfair competition for domestic manufacturers,” he warned. Between January and October, footwear imports through both conventional channels and e-commerce platforms totaled more than US$1 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of nearly US$400 million in the footwear sector.

Growth expectations for 2027
Despite the challenging scenario, Ferreira expects 2027 to be a better year. This outlook is based on progress in negotiations to end the steep U.S. tariffs and the possibility of improved domestic sales conditions. “With the ban on online betting platforms, we expect household debt to decrease, creating more room for consumer spending. However, this is an issue on which the government must not backtrack,” he commented. For 2027, Abicalçados expects production to grow by 0.5%, potentially exceeding 1.5% if the dispute with the United States is resolved.

The trade show
Next, NMB COO Nadja Bento spoke about the event’s evolution, explaining how it has become more than just a commercial platform, evolving into a platform for training and development in the retail sector. “Despite the market challenges already mentioned, the industry demonstrates resilience, strength and competitiveness here at BFSHOW,” she said. “One of the major milestones of this edition is the largest Buyer Program in BFSHOW’s history, with more than 850 domestic and international buyers invited,” she commented, emphasizing that the initiative reinforces the commitment to bringing the industry closer to new markets and generating concrete business opportunities.

Nadja also highlighted the new experiences offered to visitors, including the BFSHOW Runway, the first fashion show produced using artificial intelligence in Latin America; live commerce workshops in partnership with Mercado Livre and Grupo NSM; the AI Experience LAB, which is creating artificial intelligence-powered campaigns for retailers; as well as talks and other content. “We also debuted BFSHOW Gallery, bringing to life a request from the sector for a space where companies with premium positioning could connect with boutiques, multi-brand shoe stores and importers. All of this is the result of a very solid partnership with Abicalçados, with whom we share a commitment to strengthening Brazil’s footwear industry and expanding its competitiveness,” she concluded.

International presence
ApexBrasil Southeast Head Marcia Nejaim spoke about the international presence at the trade show, particularly the Buyer Program, carried out in partnership with Abicalçados through Brazilian Footwear and BFSHOW itself. “Here, more than 200 invited international buyers are doing business and driving activity in this sector, which is so important to the Brazilian economy,” she said. She also highlighted the partnership with Abicalçados, which has spanned more than two decades and has helped Brazil’s footwear industry become the biggest in the West and one of the largest in the world.

Marcia also highlighted the figures from the latest agreement signed with Abicalçados for the Brazilian Footwear program, the association’s international arm, which promotes the participation of Brazilian footwear companies in international trade shows and business missions, while also bringing foreign buyers and opinion leaders to Brazil. Under the agreement for the 2026–2028 biennium, R$48.9 million is being invested, with a focus on market diversification.

BFSHOW continues its program through tomorrow (November 12). For more information, visit www.bfshow.com.br.