The Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries, Abicalçados, has predicted that in 2025, the country will consume more shoes than in 2019, before the industry was hit by lockdowns associated with the covid-19 pandemic.

Traditionally reliant on the domestic market, where more than 85% of produced pairs are sold, the sector saw steep declines due to restrictions on physical retail in 2019 and 2020.

In 2019, 898 million pairs were produced, a number that dropped to 746 million in 2020, then gradually rose to 855 million, 886 million and 865 million in the following years.

For 2024, Abicalçados estimates an increase of up to 3.2%, reaching over 890 million pairs, then rising again by around 2% next year to 904 million pairs.

According to Abicalçados, the domestic market will play a key role in this recovery, supported by rising income among Brazilians.

Abicalçados president Haroldo Ferreira said: "Between January and September, the association estimates a 9% increase in domestic footwear consumption.”

To meet this heightened demand, the 3rd edition of BFSHOW, Brazil’s largest footwear trade show with over 290 confirmed brands, will be held in November. “Retailers need to stock up, especially with the year-end holidays approaching, which are historically significant for our industry. Expectations for the show are the most positive yet.”

João Paulo Picolo, CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, organiser of BFSHOW, said more than 10,000 buyers are expected. The show will take place from November 11 to 13 in São Paulo.