Three footwear trade shows held in the United States in February, featuring 34 Brazilian brands supported by the Brazilian Footwear program, are expected to generate over $5.7 million in deals, both closed and in progress. The data comes from a report by Abicalçados, which promotes the internationalization initiative in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

Carla Giordani, from Abicalçados' Business department, attended the events in the U.S. According to her, demand for Brazilian footwear in the North American market continues to grow. “Local trade shows are essential for positioning Brazilian brands and strengthening relationships with buyers in the world’s largest market for our product,” she states. In January, according to Abicalçados data, the U.S. imported 1.13 million pairs of Brazilian footwear, a 4.2% increase compared to the same month in 2024.

Las Vegas
The first event was Magic Las Vegas, where five Brazilian brands participated. From February 10 to 12, Brazilian companies engaged in over 150 meetings with buyers from the United States, Mexico, and Central America. According to Abicalçados' report, the show is expected to generate $796,000 in sales, totaling 29,300 pairs. Nilsara Piereke, U.S. representative for Carrano, highlights that the trade show has been attracting a growing number of high-quality buyers. “We welcomed buyers from major U.S. and Mexican retail chains, which was a pleasant surprise. Additionally, we met key buyers from Canada and Puerto Rico,” she explains.

The Brazilian brands supported by Brazilian Footwear at Magic Las Vegas were Camu Camu, Carrano, Cocco Miami, Dress to, and Sawary Jeans.

Atlanta
The second stop was the Atlanta Shoe Market, North America's leading industry trade show. Held from February 15 to 17, the event featured 21 Brazilian brands supported by Brazilian Footwear. According to Abicalçados, participation in the show is expected to generate over $2.5 million in sales, amounting to 74,400 pairs. Throughout the event, Brazilian companies engaged with 177 buyers from the U.S. and Central America.

Alex Engelmann, export manager at Pegada, emphasizes that this is the company's most important trade show in the U.S. “We have been attending the Atlanta Shoe Market for four years, and I believe it is the ideal event to strengthen connections and position our brand in the North American market. It is a must for Brazilian brands,” he says.

After a hiatus from the U.S. market, particularly this trade show, GVD International returned to the Atlanta Shoe Market, recognizing it as the premier event in North America. Wagner Kirsch, the company’s commercial director, highlights the importance of the contacts made. “We are pleased not only with the deals closed but also with the new opportunities that have emerged,” he states.

The Brazilian brands supported by Brazilian Footwear at the Atlanta Shoe Market included Adrun, Arezzo, Bottero, Cartago, Cartago Kids, Cocco Miami, GVD International, House of ZALO, Ipanema, Ipanema Kids, Itapuã, Melissa, Mini Melissa, New Face, Pegada, Piccadilly, Pyramidis, Schutz, Usaflex, Vicenza, and West Coast.

New York
Concluding the U.S. trade show circuit, Magic New York took place from February 18 to 20, featuring 11 Brazilian brands. According to Abicalçados' report, the event is expected to generate exports of 230,530 pairs of footwear, amounting to $2.38 million in deals, both finalized and in progress. In total, 92 meetings were held with buyers from the U.S. and Central America.

The Brazilian brands supported by Brazilian Footwear at Magic New York were Actvitta, Beira Rio, BR Sport, Carrano, Max Maria, Modare Ultraconforto, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Sawary Jeans, and Vizzano.

About Abicalçados:
The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) is the entity that represents the national industry, the fifth 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, more than 300 companies are served by the program, which last year generated US$ 147.5 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