Brazil's footwear industry feels pressure as imports surge 90% in five years

Brazil’s domestic footwear industry is facing a challenging trade environment as import volumes have nearly doubled over the last five years. Data released by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) reveals that footwear imports jumped 90% during this period, with a sharp 16.9% increase recorded in the first quarter of 2026 alone.

From January to March, Brazil imported 15 million pairs of shoes, valued at approximately USD 164.9 million. This surge in volume is causing significant concern for local manufacturers, particularly as domestic consumption remains sluggish and Brazilian exports continue to decline.

China Leads the Supply Chain

The influx of foreign products is dominated by Asian manufacturing hubs. China remains Brazil’s largest footwear supplier, exporting 2.95 million pairs to the country in March at an average price of just USD 2.29 per pair. Other major contributors include:

• Vietnam: Supplied 1.16 million pairs in March at an average price of USD 27.38.

• Indonesia: Accounted for 639,200 pairs at an average cost of USD 18.65.

• Paraguay: Exported 385,500 pairs at a highly competitive average of USD 1.10 per pair.

Exports Face Sharp Contraction

While imports are rising, Brazil’s ability to sell its own footwear abroad is weakening. Total exports for the first quarter fell 16.6% in volume compared to 2025, with revenues dropping nearly 22% to USD 210.9 million. Industry experts note that the widening gap between cheap imports and falling exports highlights a loss of competitiveness for Brazilian brands in the global market.

This trend mirrors global shifts in the footwear sector, where production centers are increasingly concentrated in regions with lower labor costs and high-scale manufacturing efficiency. For Brazil, the challenge now lies in balancing a multi-billion-dollar domestic industry against the rising tide of low-cost international competition.