Portugal footwear industry reaches global milestones in 2025

Portugal has solidified its position as a major player in the global footwear market. According to the World Footwear Yearbook 2026, the country ranked as the 18th largest producer and 13th largest exporter by value in 2025. Notably, Portugal remains the second-largest footwear producer in Europe, having surpassed Spain in production volume.

In 2025, Portugal produced 74 million pairs of shoes and exported approximately 69 million pairs, reaching 174 markets worldwide. Exports grew by 0.8% in 2025, totaling approximately 1.718 billion euros. The industry is increasingly focusing on high-value segments, with leather footwear accounting for 58% of exports and the average export price per pair reaching 28.25 dollars, second only to Italy.

To promote these advancements, over 70 Portuguese companies are participating in international trade fairs in Milan, including Micam, Lineapelle, and Simac. These companies are showcasing innovations in sustainability, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, supported by significant recent investments in technology and research and development.