Spanish shoes are smiling thanks to Italy. Imports of Spanish shoes into our country grew by 40% in the first seven months of the year. On the other hand, there is no similar pull for Madrid’s tanning industry, whose exports are shrinking.
Shoe smiles thanks to Italy
According to data released by the Spanish General Directorate of Customs, in the first seven months of 2024, shoe exports amounted to 105.8 million pairs worth EUR 2.06 billion. Compared to the same period in 2023, there is 8.6% increase in quantity and 6.4% in value (source: Revista del Calzado). This is a result that goes against the trend, compared to those recorded in Italy and Portugal, which suffered a reduction in the flow to foreign countries. The exploit of Spanish exports is influenced by orders from Italy, which has become the first destination market with a growth in turnover of almost 40%. Imports of Italian shoes to Spain also grew, but “only” by 9%. Italy ranks third behind China and Vietnam.
Tanning down
Conversely, it is not going so well for Spanish leather exports, which are falling back. From January to July 2024, leather exports fell in all categories: raw, semi-finished and finished. Here again, Italy plays a decisive role as the main foreign customer. The total export of Spanish raw hides and leathers (around EUR 75 million) decreased in value by 6.4%: -7.5% to Italy. Foreign sales of semi-finished leather (over EUR 32 million) fell by 38.1% (Italy -39%) and those of finished leather (EUR 254 million) fell by 5%: Italy -16.8% (source: Lederpiel).
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