Global footwear exports posted a 4.6 percent gain in 2024, rebounding to nearly 14.8 billion pairs, according to the newly released World Footwear Yearbook 2025 by APICCAPS. The growth signals a steady recovery in international trade following the downturn in 2023.
While the overall volume rose, the total value of exports held steady at about $170 billion, marking the second-highest year on record. Notably, the average export price declined for the first time in a decade, falling from $11.98 per pair in 2023 to $11.47 last year.
Asia remained the dominant force, accounting for 85.1 percent of global footwear exports in 2024, up slightly from 84.6 percent a year earlier. China maintained its position as the world’s leading supplier with 62.2 percent of total exports, but the figure continues to erode—down from 63.8 percent in 2023.
Vietnam, in contrast, expanded its footprint to 10.7 percent, reinforcing its position as the second-largest exporter. Indonesia followed with 4.1 percent. Together, the three countries controlled more than three-quarters of the global export market.
On the production side, the industry staged a strong comeback. Total output rose 6.9 percent to 23.9 billion pairs, recovering most of the 1.5 billion-pair decline recorded in 2023. Asia’s role remained overwhelming, with 88 percent of global footwear production.
Analysts say China’s slipping market share reflects structural challenges including rising labor costs, supply chain diversification by global brands, and intensifying competition from Southeast Asia.
