Argentina footwear industry faces crisis amid falling consumption

The Argentine footwear and apparel sectors are experiencing a severe contraction driven by declining consumer purchasing power, rising operational costs, and increased competition from imports and smuggling. In Buenos Aires, the group Zapateros Unidos held a demonstration in Plaza de Mayo, distributing thousands of pairs of shoes to people in need to highlight the difficulty citizens face in accessing basic goods.

Industry representatives report significant losses, including the alleged closure of over 200 companies and the loss of approximately 10,000 jobs since the beginning of the current administration. This downturn is reflected in national production data, which shows a drop from 108 million pairs in 2023 to an estimated 80.4 million in 2025.

Specific business closures illustrate the impact: the historic tango footwear brand Comme il Faut is ceasing operations after 24 years, citing domestic sales retraction and export difficulties. In Quilmes, retail closures are contributing to a record number of vacant commercial spaces, exacerbated by high rental costs that can reach up to 20,000 dollars per month for large establishments.