Italy sees footwear exports slow in 2023
In Italy, footwear export sales gradually declined throughout 2023, leaving year-end footwear exports 0,6% lower in value terms than a year earlier. According to the Confindustria Moda research center of the Italian shoe association Assocalzaturifici, there has been a gradual slowdown in international footwear trade in 2023, reports laconceria.it.
After a strong start with 14,7% growth in the first quarter, footwear exports in Italy began to decline, culminating in sales volumes falling 8,7% in the fourth quarter compared with the previous year. As a result, export sales at the end of the year amounted to 12,8 billion euros, down 0,6% year-on-year.
Data includes finished shoes (excluding ski and snowboard shoes) and shoe parts (which account for only 5% of the total).
These results are explained by the ongoing crisis, which was aggravated in the second half of the year by inflation, which caused prices to rise. The 1,4% decrease in imports also indicates a lack of momentum in the Italian footwear market.
Italy is one of the leading players in the global footwear market. The annual analysis report World Footwear 2023 (worldfootwear.com) notes that the country saw a 2022% increase in turnover in 14, returning the country to pre-pandemic levels. Despite this growth, company profits were impacted by increases in raw material and energy prices. Italy's shoe imports exceed its exports. However, high export prices led to a significant trade surplus.
In Italy, footwear export sales gradually declined throughout 2023, leaving year-end footwear exports 0,6% lower in value terms than a year earlier. By…
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