Guanajuato leather‑footwear industry growth

In July 2026 the state of Guanajuato promoted the 95th edition of the SAPICA trade fair, slated for August 11‑13. Organizers projected participation by more than 380 exhibitors and 2,200 buyers from 17 countries, underscoring the sector’s contribution of 7.5 % to the state’s GDP and its employment of over 108,000 workers. The fair was presented as a platform for technology, design, sustainability and intellectual‑property support, with government programmes aimed at expanding market access for local firms.

A week later, data showed a sharp 35 % decline in footwear imports to Guanajuato from January‑May 2026, driven by reduced shipments from China, Vietnam and Indonesia after a national trade‑policy shift. State officials linked the import drop to a more competitive environment for the local leather‑and‑footwear cluster, reinforcing the sector’s role as a major economic engine.

Together, the fair’s launch and the import reduction illustrate a coordinated effort to boost Guanajuato’s leather‑footwear industry through market promotion and protective trade measures.