Data compiled by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) shows that in the first two months of the year, the sector’s exports totaled 21 million pairs and USD 174.23 million, marking increases in both volume (+14.7%) and revenue (+2.7%) compared to the same period last year. In February alone, 9.6 million pairs were shipped for USD 85.9 million, up 18.9% in volume and 8.9% in revenue from February 2024.

Abicalçados’ Executive President, Haroldo Ferreira, explains that, in addition to last year’s weak comparison base, the increase already reflects exchange rate effects, as a stronger dollar against the Brazilian real allows exporters to offer better prices without losing profitability. “The footwear exported in the first two months was 10.5% cheaper than in the same period last year,” he says, highlighting that the average price of Brazilian footwear shipped abroad was USD 8.26.

Another positive surprise contributing to the increase in Brazilian footwear exports is Argentina. Traditionally the second-largest destination for Brazilian footwear—behind only the United States—the neighboring country was the top importer of Brazilian shoes in February. That month, Argentina imported 1.24 million pairs, paying USD 22.2 million, an increase of 96.5% in volume and 62.2% in revenue compared to the same period last year. Over the two-month period, Argentine imports totaled 1.87 million pairs for USD 32.58 million, up 58% and 31.6%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2024.

Even though it lost its position as the top destination for Brazilian footwear in February, the United States remained in first place over the two-month period. In February, 792,880 pairs were shipped there, generating USD 18.16 million—a 4% decline in volume and a 4.2% increase in revenue compared to February 2024. Over the two-month period, footwear exports to the U.S. totaled 1.93 million pairs and USD 37.17 million, representing a 0.6% increase in volume and a 4.5% drop in revenue compared to the same period in 2024.

Spain ranked third among international destinations for Brazilian footwear. In February, the country received 1.54 million Brazilian pairs, for which it paid USD 3.8 million, marking increases of 93.6% in volume and 41.2% in revenue compared to the same period last year. Over the two months, exports to the European country totaled 3.64 million pairs and USD 8.64 million, up 24.1% in volume but down 2.7% in revenue compared to the same period in 2024.

States
Rio Grande do Sul remains Brazil’s top footwear-exporting state. In the first two months of the year, factories in the state shipped 5.6 million pairs, generating USD 82.15 million, representing a 1% drop in volume and a 2.7% decline in revenue compared to the same period in 2024.

Following in the ranking of exporting states are Ceará (8 million pairs and USD 42.57 million, up 20.3% and 3.6%, respectively, from 2024) and São Paulo (1 million pairs and USD 14.95 million, up 33.8% and 17.6%, respectively).

Imports on the Rise
Footwear imports continued to rise this year. In January and February, 7.9 million pairs entered Brazil for USD 97.43 million, marking increases in both volume (+14.1%) and revenue (+7.4%) compared to the same period in 2024. The main sources remain Asian countries. Leading the ranking is China, which shipped 2.68 million pairs for USD 9.25 million, down 2.8% in volume and 3.5% in revenue from the first two months of 2024. Vietnam followed with 2.5 million pairs and USD 47.9 million, marking increases of 24.2% and 9.2%, respectively. Indonesia ranked third, exporting 1.48 million pairs for USD 23.5 million, representing increases of 47.25% in volume and 37% in revenue.

For footwear components—uppers, heels, soles, insoles, etc.—imports in the two-month period totaled USD 9.64 million, up 21.7% from the same period in 2024. The main sources were China, Paraguay, and Vietnam.