World footwear production rose 6.9% in 2024, reaching 23.9 billion pairs, according to the World Footwear Yearbook. Asia continued to dominate, producing nearly nine out of ten pairs worldwide, accounting for 88% of the total output.

The report, published by the Portuguese Association of Footwear, Components, Leather Goods and Their Substitutes (APICCAPS), confirms China’s position as the world’s largest producer, manufacturing 13 billion pairs in 2024 for a 54% global share. India climbed to second place with 12.5%, followed by Vietnam with 6.5%.

APICCAPS president Luís Onofre cautioned that the figures raise concerns. “It is unreasonable that almost 90% of global production comes from Asia when we should be defending free, fair and balanced trade practices,” he said. Still, he highlighted that the 2025 edition of the World Footwear Yearbook “confirms Portugal as one of the major players in the sector, especially in leather footwear.” He added: “We’re making our way.”

Global exports signal recovery

Global footwear exports also increased in 2024, rising 4.6% in volume compared to 2023, indicating a gradual recovery in international trade. Asia consolidated its lead as the main exporter, accounting for 85.1% of total exports, slightly above its 84.5% share a decade earlier.

Between 2015 and 2024, footwear exports grew modestly in volume (+1.2%) but increased sharply in value, climbing 31.4% from $129.2 billion to nearly $170 billion. APICCAPS noted: “Asian countries strengthened their dominant position in the global footwear trade, with their combined share rising from 84.6% in 2023 to 85.1% in 2024. Europe’s share declined slightly to 12.6%.”

China remained the leading exporter, accounting for 62.2% of global exports, down from 63.8% in 2023. Vietnam ranked second at 10.7%, followed by Indonesia at 4.1%. Together, the three countries accounted for more than three-quarters of the world’s exports.

Prices show first drop in a decade

The Yearbook highlights that the average export price of footwear increased significantly over the past decade — from $8.83 per pair in 2015 to a peak of $11.98 in 2023, a 36% rise. APICCAPS explained this trend as “the result of higher production costs, a stronger focus on higher value-added products, and inflationary pressures in supply chains.”

However, 2024 marked the first major decline, with the average price falling to $11.47 per pair. APICCAPS suggested this “could indicate a shift in product mix or pricing strategy after two years of strong value growth.”

Asia drives consumption, but regional gaps remain

In 2024, Asia accounted for more than half of global footwear consumption (55.5%), an increase from the previous year. North America followed with 13.6% and Europe with 13.5%.

Per capita consumption varied sharply by region, from just 1.4 pairs per person in Africa to 4.8 pairs in North America. China retained its position as the largest consumer market, expanding its share to 18.6% of the global total. India came second with 13.3%, while the United States remained stable in third place at 9.8%. The European Union ranked fourth, consuming 2.069 million pairs in 2024.