Abicalçados Reports Significant Rise in Footwear Imports in 2024

The Brazilian footwear market experienced a sharp increase in imports throughout 2024, according to data from the Brazilian Footwear Industry Association (Abicalçados). Over 3.2 million pairs entered Brazil in December alone, generating $42.65 million. This represents an increase of 75% in volume and 46.5% in revenue compared to the same month in 2023. Over the year, imports totaled 35.8 million pairs and $477.72 million, reflecting growth of 26.3% in volume and 7.9% in revenue compared to 2023.

Asian countries maintained their position as the leading footwear suppliers to Brazil, accounting for more than 80% of imports. Vietnam exported 887,800 pairs of shoes to Brazil in December for $16.68 million, marking increases of 56% in volume and 42.2% in revenue compared to December 2023. For the year, imports from Vietnam reached 11.9 million pairs and $224 million, up 25% and 5.2%, respectively. China shipped 860,000 pairs in December, generating $3.9 million—an increase of 105.8% in volume and 48% in revenue. For 2024, imports from China totaled 9.8 million pairs and $40.2 million, with a 4% increase in volume but a 16% drop in revenue, attributed to lower average prices ($4.06, down 19%), suggesting dumping practices. Indonesia also stood out, sending 846,740 pairs in December, valued at $13 million, representing a 105.8% rise in volume and 48% in revenue. Over the year, imports from Indonesia reached 6.8 million pairs and $110.26 million, reflecting growth of 52% in volume and 26% in revenue.

Take a look at the chart below and discover the month-on-month evolution of footwear imports in containers in Brazil. This insightful information was derived from DataLiner.

Footwear Imports | Jan 2021 – Nov 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

In addition to traditional major suppliers, new Asian players such as Cambodia, India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh expanded their presence in the Brazilian market. Together, these countries exported more than 2.5 million pairs in 2024, a 56% increase compared to the previous year. This shift is attributed to the search for lower production costs and attempts to circumvent the anti-dumping tariff applied to Chinese footwear, currently set at $10.22 per pair, in addition to regular import duties. According to Haroldo Ferreira, Abicalçados’ executive president, the data has been presented to the Federal Government, which has committed to reviewing the situation.

Brazilian Footwear Exports Decline

In contrast to imports, Brazilian footwear exports contracted in 2024. In December, 7.83 million pairs were shipped abroad, generating $72.4 million, reflecting a 5.4% increase in volume but a 1.4% drop in revenue compared to December 2023. For the year, exports totaled 97.45 million pairs and $976 million, with declines of 17.7% in volume and 16.4% in revenue compared to 2023.

Rio Grande do Sul remained the leading exporter, shipping 32.28 million pairs abroad for $485.36 million, despite registering declines of 8.6% in volume and 10.9% in revenue compared to 2023. Ceará followed with 30.2 million pairs exported and $199.3 million in revenue, down 17.5% and 25%, respectively. São Paulo ranked third among exporters, shipping 5.84 million pairs and generating $91.26 million, with decreases of 23% in volume and 16.7% in revenue.

The United States was the primary destination for Brazilian footwear exports in 2024, receiving 10.28 million pairs worth $216.3 million, representing declines of 3.3% in volume and 4.8% in revenue compared to 2023. Argentina imported 12.6 million pairs, generating $201.54 million, with drops of 10.5% in volume and 10% in revenue. Paraguay imported 8.34 million pairs, generating $42.7 million, a decline of 20.6% in volume and 13.5% in revenue.

Source: Rádio Guaíba

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