23 September 2026
Footwear – There are two positive signs in the semester of the Italian shoe industry
The economic situation remains critical, and no one denies it. Assocalzaturifici ‘s report on the first half of 2026 states that Italian footwear turnover fell by 2.3%, while production fell by 6.7% and the number of active businesses by 4.7%. But the document also highlights two positive signs. Of course, not enough to say the worst is behind us, but it does acknowledge that the sector is weathering the crisis with its quality and resilience. Because, despite declining exports, the trade balance is growing (+9.6%), thanks “to its positioning and international vocation,” comments Assocalzaturifici President Giovanna Ceolini. And because domestic consumption is growing again (+2%) after three years. By La Conceria.
The economic picture
Export levels, according to data from the Confindustria Fashion Accessories Research Center, are declining. Looking at the data for the first five months, the balance stands at €4.77 billion (-2.4% year-on-year). The main destinations are all in negative territory: USA -5.2%, Middle East -34%, Russia -24.6%, Far East -1.6%. Only the European Union (+2%) bucks the trend, thanks primarily to France (+4.3%). The slow pace of exports, as we said, is reflected in production and, therefore, in the structure of the supply chain. Just as active industrial and artisan businesses have been lost, the number of employees is also declining: 3,065 positions have been lost (-4.5%).
The two positive signals
The first is that the trade balance continues to grow by 9.6%, amounting to €2.16 billion. The second is that the domestic market breaks a long streak of negative results with a small rebound, led by women’s footwear (+4%) and sports footwear (+1.5%). “The result demonstrates the competitiveness of our companies and the ability of Made in Italy to continue creating value even in a particularly challenging period,” Ceolini concludes. “Today, more than ever, it is necessary to support companies with measures that strengthen competitiveness, investment, and employment, so that the sector can continue to represent a point of excellence in the national manufacturing system.”
