According to statistics from the Brazilian Shoe Industry Association, Brazilian shoe exports from January to October 2008 were 139.9 million pairs, a decrease of 6.1% compared with the same period in 2007. Among them, exports to the United States decreased by 25.6%, which was the main reason for the decline in Brazilian shoe exports. The United States is the main market for Brazilian shoe exports. Brazilian companies are worried about the market prospects in 2009. On the one hand, demand in major export markets is declining, and on the other hand, shoe imports are likely to continue to increase.
Statistics show that from January to October 2008, Brazil imported 34.1 million pairs of shoes, a year-on-year increase of 49.9%. Among them, 71.8% came from China, with a quantity of 29.3 million pairs; followed by Vietnam, with a quantity of 1.8 million pairs.
