According to the World Footwear Yearbook 2026, the country continues to gain ground through value-added production and a strong international focus.
Portugal has moved ahead of Spain to become Europe’s second-largest footwear producer, behind only Italy, according to the latest World Footwear Yearbook 2026 published by the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association (APICCAPS).
In 2025, Portugal ranked 18th among global footwear producers, accounting for 0.5% of worldwide production by value and 0.3% by volume, while Spain dropped out of the global top 20. The figures underline the increasing competitiveness of Portugal’s footwear industry despite ongoing economic challenges.
Exports remain the backbone of the sector. Almost 93% of all footwear produced in Portugal was exported in 2025, reaching 174 countries across five continents. Portugal ranked 15th worldwide by export value, generating USD 1.95 billion (approximately EUR 1.7 billion), and 17th by export volume, with 69 million pairs shipped abroad.
Germany remained Portugal’s largest export market, accounting for almost one quarter of overseas sales, followed by France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, demand has grown particularly strongly in Germany, Spain and the United States, although exports to the US softened in 2025 following the introduction of new import tariffs.
According to APICCAPS, Portugal’s success is driven less by production volume than by its focus on premium products and export-oriented manufacturing. The average export price increased by 2.5% in 2025 to USD 28.25 per pair, making Portugal the world’s second highest-priced footwear exporter, behind Italy.
The report also highlights a shift in the product mix. While leather footwear remains the largest category, its share of exports has fallen from 69% to 58% over the past three years, as footwear made from rubber, plastics and textile materials continues to gain importance.
Despite global economic uncertainty, Portugal’s footwear industry has remained comparatively resilient. Exports declined by 2.7% during the first five months of 2026, a smaller drop than recorded by several competing manufacturing countries, including Spain, China, Brazil and Turkey. APICCAPS attributes this resilience to long-term investments in innovation, sustainability and higher value-added production.
