Portugal produced 74 million pairs of footwear in 2025, remaining the second largest European producer and consolidating its overtake of Spain, which manufactured 60 million pairs. The country also rose to 18th place among the world's largest producers and recovered in exports after two years of decline, according to the World Footwear Yearbook 2026, released by the Portuguese Footwear Manufacturers Association (APICCAPS). Portugal represented 0.3% of world production in quantity and 0.5% in value, exporting to 174 markets.
Portuguese exports grew 0.8% in 2025, reaching 1,949 million dollars (approximately 1,718 million euros), placing Portugal in 13th position among the world's largest exporters by value. Germany was the main destination, absorbing 24% of exports, followed by France with 20%, the Netherlands and Spain with 11% each, and the United Kingdom with 6%. The average export price increased 2.5%, to $28.25 per pair, keeping Portugal in second position worldwide in this indicator, behind only Italy.
However, the first half of 2026 brought a new decline of 2.1% in external sales, to 813 million euros, at a time when global footwear trade faces a generalized slowdown. Portugal's main competitors also recorded losses: Italy fell 4.3%, Spain 7.3%, China 10.9%, Brazil 15.7%, Turkey 5.3%, and Vietnam 1.3%.
APICCAPS Executive Director Paulo Gonçalves acknowledged that the export contraction cannot be minimized, but argued that the results show that Portugal's strategy remains appropriate and that companies managed to defend their markets in an environment of enormous international pressure.
