The trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, which provisionally entered into force in early May, is generating positive expectations for Brazilian companies participating in the Italian trade show Expo Riva Schuh. Considered one of the leading footwear trade shows in the world, the event takes place from June 13 to 16 in Riva del Garda. Support for the participation of 29 Brazilian footwear brands is provided by Brazilian Footwear, the export promotion program for the sector maintained by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

Carla Giordani, from Abicalçados’ Business Unit, notes that the trade show is internationally recognized for its high trading volumes and direct access to major players in the European market. “This year, Brazilian footwear companies are exhibiting under more competitive conditions following the entry into force of the trade agreement with the European Union and the gradual elimination of import tariffs across the countries that make up the bloc,” says Carla. She also highlights the potential of the market, which imported 3.5 billion pairs of footwear in 2025, generating US$71.1 billion and accounting for more than 40% of global footwear imports.

The Trade Show
Expo Riva Schuh hosts two editions annually, welcoming more than 1,000 exhibiting brands and 12,000 buyers from around 100 countries at each event. Approximately 80% of those buyers come from Europe.

Participating in Expo Riva Schuh with the support of Brazilian Footwear are the brands Actvitta, Ala, Andacco, Awana Group, Bebecê, Beira Rio, Boaonda, Bonton Leather Care, BR Sport, Capelli Rossi, Democrata, Dijean, Globo, GVD International, Jorge Bischoff, K360, Kidy, Klin, LightGel, Loucos & Santos, Madeira Brasil, Modare Ultraconforto, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Piccadilly, Vizzano, Werner, and Zatz.

About Abicalçados:
The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) is the entity that represents the national industry, the fourth 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, about 300 companies are served by the program, which last year generated US$ 113,5 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.