The Portuguese footwear sector exported to 174 countries across five continents and recorded growth of 0.8% in 2025, bucking the slowdown trend seen in several international markets.
According to the APICCAPS, more than 90% of national production is destined for export, keeping the sector among the most internationalised in the Portuguese economy.
The association’s president, Luís Onofre, said that “the figures confirm the resilience of the industry in a particularly challenging context,” stressing that performance is driven by a “continuous commitment to quality, innovation and differentiation.”
“Portugal does not compete on price, it competes on value,” said Luís Onofre, adding that the sector has been strengthening investment in design, technology and sustainability.
According to the association, the footwear and leather goods cluster maintains a strong international presence, consolidating traditional markets while seeking new growth opportunities amid global uncertainty.
Portugal’s performance in 2025 is even more significant when viewed against the evolution of its main international competitors. Traditionally dominant countries in the sector recorded declines in exports, namely two of Portugal’s main direct competitors: Italy, with a 1% decrease, and Spain, with a 3% drop. Among the world’s largest producers, China, responsible for more than 50% of global production, posted an 11% decline, while Turkey saw exports fall by 13%. Brazil also recorded a contraction of around 2%.