A target market of Brazilian Footwear — the footwear export promotion program maintained by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil)— Chile will host its first Commercial Mission on July 23 and 24. The program’s initiative includes a showroom featuring 23 Brazilian footwear brands in Santiago.

Carla Giordani, from Abicalçados' Business department, points out that in 2024, Chile ranked as the eighth main destination for Brazilian footwear exports in terms of value. According to her, in the first four months of the year, retail sales of apparel, footwear, and accessories in general grew by 10.2% in the country compared to the same period in 2023. A similar increase was observed in total imports, which rose by 21% in US dollars during the same timeframe. “The recovery of the footwear sector in Chile has been driven by several factors, including economic reactivation, increased demand for quality products, and a growing interest in fashion — all attributes that Brazilian footwear companies are ready to offer to this market,” she says.

Taking part in the Mission, with the support of Brazilian Footwear, are the brands 365 Soft, Actvitta, Adrun, Bebecê, Beira Rio, BR Sport, By Cool, Democrata, Dumond, iTweens, Lightgel, Macboot, Modare Ultraconforto, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Novopé, Opananken, Santa Flor, Smidt Shoes, Solis Brasil, Usaflex, and Vizzano.

About Abicalçados:
The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) is the entity that represents the national industry, the fifth largest producer of footwear in the world, the largest in the West. Founded in 1983, Abicalçados, is headquartered in Novo Hamburgo/RS, has in its membership companies of all sizes and that account for more than 65% of the total pairs of shoes produced in the country. The entity represents an industry that directly employs more than 290 thousand people. Its mission is to represent, defend, develop and promote the Brazilian footwear industry, with respect, excellence and results. Learn more: abicalcados.com.br

About Brazilian Footwear:
Brazilian Footwear is an export incentive program developed by Abicalçados in partnership with ApexBrasil. This program aims to increase the presence of the Brazilian industry and its brands in the international market through development actions, commercial promotion and image. Currently, more than 300 companies are served by the program, which last year generated US$ 147.5 million for Brazilian companies supported by Brazilian Footwear. Learn more: brazilianfootwear.com.br | abicalcados.com.br/brazilian-footwear. 

About ApexBrasil: 
Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) is the Brazilian government’s trade and investment promotion agency. Regarding the investment activity, we support international investors as they analyze the opportunities to establish a plant in Brazil, start a partnership with a Brazilian company, or commit capital in Brazil through funds and companies. Our goal is to satisfy investors needs and generate results as we attract technology, innovation, new companies and generate jobs in Brazil. Learn more: https://apexbrasil.com.br/br/en.html#home