The Portuguese Footwear Industry is Taking Over Europe
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Loading... - Claude Doyle
- 03 Mar 2025
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The Portuguese footwear industry has long been a cornerstone of the country's economy, renowned for its high-quality leather products and craftsmanship. With an annual contribution of €1.1 billion to the Portuguese trade balance, the sector is not only a leader in production but is also poised for significant growth in the coming years. Earlier this year, the industry unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at investing €600 million over the next decade, with the goal of becoming an international benchmark for sustainable practices in footwear production.
Luis Onofre, President of the Portuguese Association of Footwear Components Articles Leather Goods Substitutes (APICCAPS), emphasized the industry's commitment to sustainability. The sector has already made strides in this direction, securing over €80 million from the Bioshoes4ll project to enhance sustainability efforts, along with an additional €60 million for automation and robotics through the FAIST project. With the backing of APICCAPS, which represents over 500 companies, Portugal is on track to establish itself as a global leader in the footwear market.
Paulo Gonçalves, Director of Communications at APICCAPS, has dedicated over 20 years to promoting the industry, viewing it as his "life project." He highlights the unsustainable nature of the current global footwear production landscape, where Asia accounts for 88% of the 22 billion pairs of shoes produced annually. In contrast, Portugal produced 81 million pairs of shoes in 2023, with around 90% exported to 174 countries. The industry also provides approximately 40,000 jobs, making it a vital part of the Portuguese workforce.
Gonçalves stresses that the focus is not on increasing production volume but rather on enhancing the quality of footwear. "We want to produce high-quality footwear that people can use for a long time," he stated. To maintain competitiveness, APICCAPS has partnered with the Footwear Technological Center to implement independent audits and develop individual action plans for optimizing production processes. The overarching goal is to ensure that Portuguese companies remain at the forefront of the industry.
Onofre, a third-generation shoe producer and established designer, recently debuted his SS25 collection, which features bold colors and innovative silhouettes designed to evoke strong emotions. This collection reflects Portugal's growing recognition not only in fashion but also in footwear, jewelry, and leather goods.
"In recent years, Portugal has aroused international curiosity with its culture and customs," Onofre noted. "With new talents driving this change and savvy designers leading the way, Portuguese style is more than fashionable." He expressed pride in the "Made in Portugal" label, which signifies a deep connection to his heritage and the craftsmanship of his family’s legacy in footwear production.
As the Portuguese footwear industry continues to evolve, its commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation positions it as a formidable player in the European market and beyond. With a focus on creating durable products that reflect the rich cultural identity of Portugal, the industry is set to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
