In the first 6 months of 2001, exports of national footwear were surprising. From January to June, the commercial flow of Portugal Quality Shoes increased 16% to € 763.16 million. Volume-wise, the increase amounted to 6.4% for 46 million pairs. That attests to the growth in the footwear sector, in a logic favoring high value-added (the average price of footwear exported being € 16.59).

The growth in the footwear sector is visible in practically every market. In Europe, the increase amounts to 16.8% (more than some € 149.64 million). We would highlight the increases recorded for Germany (over 32.2%, equivalent to over € 44.89 million), France (over € 35.91 million or 27.3%), or the UK (over € 9.98 million or 7%). There were also increases for the US (over 37% to € 33.42 million).

The Portuguese footwear industry has, during the past 5 years, reasserted its prominence in Europe, with Portugal one of the footwear sector’s leaders. Portugal continues to increasse its market share in Germany in leather footwear (some 85% of national production is centered on this product segment), with it being the second-ranking supplier to the Germans. In relation to rubber footwear, Portugal lies as the sixth supplier, while its footwear with textile uppers, is fifth.

The EU is the market of excellence for Portuguese footwear (some 90% of Portuguese footwear exports go to Europe). On the other hand, Europe is also a natural supplier for national companies. Preferentially, Portugal imports skins from Italy, Spain and Germany. Brazil and France rank in fourth and fifth place in Portuguese preferences.

The footwear sector has progressively increased the degree of qualification of its professionals. Since the start of the 80s, the number of people working in the footwear industry has increased 117.2%. In 2000, the sector employed 55,000 workers, compared with 25,000 at the beginning of the 80s.
In 2000, the Portuguese Footwear industry boasted some 1,470 companies.