The World Footwear Yearbook, edited and published annually by APICCAPS (the Portuguese Footwear, Components and Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association), is the most comprehensive source of analysis and statistical data for the global footwear industry. Each year, the publication offers a detailed overview of the main trends in production, consumption, and exports, outlining the health of the industry.
2024: Footwear Production Rebounds, Exports Rise in Volume but Not in Value
In 2024, global footwear production showed a strong recovery, growing by 6.9% and regaining the 1.5 billion pairs lost in 2023. Footwear exports also improved in volume, with a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year. However, the total export value remained nearly flat, growing by just 0.1%.
Global footwear production reached 23.9 billion pairs, with an increase of 1.5 billion pairs that offset a similar decline in 2023. This recovery was driven by stronger consumption in key markets, including the United States (+168 million pairs), China (+469 million pairs), and the European Union (+121 million pairs).
Last year, 14.8 billion pairs were exported worldwide. Although the total value of exports remained almost unchanged at $170 billion in 2024, this figure still represents the second-highest level ever recorded.
Recovery of Global Footwear Production
The footwear industry remains heavily concentrated in Asia, where nearly 9 out of every 10 pairs of shoes are manufactured, accounting for 88% of global production.
• China: Confirmed as the world’s largest producer, with 13 billion pairs produced in 2024 and a global market share of just over 54%.
• India: Further increased its share, reaching 12.5% of world production.
• Vietnam: Ranks third, with a 6.5% share.
Gradual Growth in Asian Footwear Consumption Continues
In 2024, footwear consumption in Asia accounted for more than half of the global total (55.5%). North America and Europe followed, with shares of 13.6% and 13.5%, respectively. Per capita consumption varies significantly across regions, ranging from just 1.4 pairs in Africa to 4.8 pairs in North America.
• China: Remains the world’s leading consumer (18.6% of global consumption).
• India: Follows with 13.3%.
• United States: Maintains its third position with a stable share of 9.8%.
• European Union: Ranks fourth, with 2,069 million pairs consumed in 2024.
Global Footwear Exports Increase in 2024; China Continues to Lose Share
In 2024, global footwear exports increased by 4.6% in volume, signaling a steady recovery in international trade. Asia remained the dominant player, accounting for 85.1% of total exports.
Between 2015 and 2024, exports grew modestly in volume (+1.2%) but surged by 31.4% in value, rising from $129.2 billion to nearly $170 billion.
• China: Remains the leading exporter (62.2% of the total), although its share continues to decline.
• Vietnam: Ranks second with 10.7%.
• Indonesia: Follows with 4.1%.
• Together, these three countries account for more than three-quarters of global footwear exports.
After a Decade of Growth, the Average Export Price Drops to $11.47
Over the last decade, the average export price increased by 36%, rising from $8.83 per pair in 2015 to a peak of $11.98 in 2023. In 2024, this trend saw its first reversal, with the average price dropping to $11.47. This decline may indicate an adjustment in the product mix or pricing strategies after two years of strong value growth.
