Portugal's Footwear Exports Fall 2.1% in H1 2026 Amid Global Slowdown

Portuguese footwear exports declined 2.1 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, falling to €813 million, as the global footwear trade experienced a broad slowdown, according to the industry association APICCAPS.

The Portuguese Association of Footwear, Components, Leather Goods and Substitutes Manufacturers noted that the drop was still milder than those suffered by its two main competitors: Italy and Spain posted cumulative losses of 4.3% and 7.3%, respectively, through May.

APICCAPS executive director Paulo Gonçalves said the sector is going through a difficult stretch alongside most major global producers, but argued Portugal has weathered the pressure better than many rivals by holding onto an international position built on value, quality, and responsiveness.

 He attributed the broader contraction to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East disrupting the fashion value chain and cutting access to luxury markets, compounded by logistical bottlenecks such as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that are raising costs.

Germany remained Portugal's top export destination at 24% of shipments, followed by France (20%), the Netherlands and Spain (11%each), and the UK (6%).

In 2025, Portugal held its position as Europe's second largest footwear producer and 18th globally, with exports growing 0.8% to €1.718 billion, recovering after two years of decline even as Italy and Spain continued to struggle.