Data compiled by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), based on figures released by the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex), show that the sector’s exports increased in the first half of 2025. Over the six-month period, 52.7 million pairs of shoes were shipped abroad, generating US$497.34 million in revenue—an increase of 8.8% in volume and 3% in value compared to the same period last year.  In the month of June alone, exports also rose, reaching 6.87 million pairs and US$70.17 million—up 24.5% in volume and 11.2% in value over June 2024.

Highlighting that June’s export figures exceeded expectations for the month, Abicalçados’ Executive President Haroldo Ferreira pointed to the strong performance of international trade shows supported by the Association in the first half of the year, as well as the growing demand in the U.S. market for alternatives to Asian footwear amid the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. “The growth in exports was driven by the United States and also by Colombia, which accounted for nearly 18% of all shipments in June,” he noted..  

Destinations
The United States, the main destination for Brazilian footwear abroad, imported 1 million pairs of shoes from Brazil in June, generating US$20.76 million in revenue—an increase of 39.4% in volume and 25.4% in value compared to the same month last year. In the year-to-date results, exports to the U.S. totaled 5.8 million pairs and US$111.8 million, up 13.5% in volume and 7.2% in value over the first half of 2024.

Ranking second among destinations for Brazilian footwear, Argentina imported 665,000 pairs in June, generating US$10 million in revenue—down 6% in volume and 20.3% in value compared to the same month last year. However, in the first half of the year, the neighboring country purchased 6.4 million pairs of Brazilian footwear for US$103.9 million, representing increases of 39% in volume and 12.6% in value compared to the same period in 2024.

Colombia stood out in June, rising to third place among the top destinations for Brazilian footwear abroad. That month, the country imported 1.23 million pairs of Brazilian shoes, generating US$4.34 million in revenue—remarkable increases of 215.8% in volume and 210.3% in value compared to the same month last year. In the year-to-date results, exports to the Andean nation totaled 4.3 million pairs and US$18 million—a 2.7% decline in volume but a 4.4% increase in revenue compared to the first half of 2024.

States
Rio Grande do Sul remains the leading footwear exporting state in Brazil, accounting for nearly 47% of the country’s total export revenue. In the first half of the year, the state shipped 15.96 million pairs abroad, generating US$232.7 million. This represents a 4.4% increase in volume and a 0.9% decrease in revenue compared to the same period in 2024.

Following Rio Grande do Sul among the top exporting states in the first half of the year are Ceará, with 17.46 million pairs shipped and US$104.28 million in revenue—up 14.2% in volume and 0.9% in value compared to the same period in 2024; and São Paulo, which exported 3.65 million pairs, generating US$52.95 million—an increase of 20.5% in volume and 24.3% in value over the same interval last year.

Imports Remain a Concern
While the sector is pleased with the export performance, there is ongoing concern regarding footwear imports. In the first half of the year, Brazil imported 22.36 million pairs, amounting to US$271.84 million—an increase of 19.4% in volume and 21.3% in value compared to the same period in 2024. These figures are particularly worrisome considering they are based on an already high comparison base; last year, imports had already grown by more than 26% in volume.

The main sources of footwear imports in the first half of 2025 were China, with 7.6 million pairs and US$23.4 million—up 6.6% in volume and 4% in value compared to the same period last year; Vietnam, with 6.5 million pairs and US$127.8 million—an increase of 12% in volume and 20% in value; and Indonesia, with 4.3 million pairs and US$67.93 million—surging 73% in volume and 58.5% in value.

In Parts — such as uppers, heels, soles, insoles, and others — imports also increased in the first half of the year, totaling US$22.17 million, a 34.2% rise compared to the same period in 2024. The main countries of origin were China, Paraguay, and Vietnam.