Argentina footwear manufacturers protest in Plaza de Mayo

Footwear manufacturers organized under the group Zapateros Unidos held a protest known as a ‘zapatazo solidario’ in Buenos Aires' Plaza de Mayo. The demonstration aimed to highlight the crisis facing the national industry, driven by declining domestic consumption, increased competition from imports, and smuggling.

Industry representatives reported that more than 200 factories have closed and approximately 10,000 jobs have been lost over the last two years. According to INDEC, footwear production fell 26.6% year-on-year in September. During the event, participants distributed approximately 1,000 pairs of shoes to people in need under the slogan ‘We give away our work because we put ourselves in your shoes’.

The protest was supported by the Chamber of the Footwear Industry (CIC) and the Union of Footwear Industry Workers of the Argentine Republic (UTICRA). Organizers also noted legislative support, with mentions of upcoming bills aimed at protecting the sector and addressing anti-dumping measures.