Global Footwear Industry Produced 23.9 Billion Pairs and $170 Billion in Exports in 2024 (HERE’s EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW)

2023 was a rough year for global footwear Industry as a whole.

Well, in 2024 things changed.

According to the latest World Footwear Yearbook 2025 by APICCAPS, the global footwear industry made a full recovery in 2024.

Global footwear production increased by 6.9%, reaching 23.9 billion pairs.

That’s 1.5 billion more than 2023, making up for 2023 dip.

Where did this demand come from? (these countries bought extra than usual)

• United States: 168 million more pairs
• China: 469 million more pairs
• European Union: 121 million more pairs

Exports also increased to 14.8 billion pairs, up 4.6% compared to 2023 with a total export value of $170 billion the second highest ever.

Asia continues to lead:

• 88% of all shoes were made in Asia
• China still leads with 13 billion pairs
• India now holds 12.5% of global production (~about 2.98 billion pairs)
• Vietnam stands at 6.5% (~about 1.55 billion pairs)

On the consumption front

• Asia took 55.5% of global demand,
• North America (13.6%) &
• Europe (13.5%)

Top 3 consumers of footwear:

• China: 18.6%
• India: 13.3%
• USA: 9.8%

Pair per person

• North Americans bought the most 4.8 pairs per person
• Africa the average was 1.4 per person

In exports, Asia lead with 85.1% of global volume

• While China remains the biggest exporter at 62.2% (its grip is slowly loosening down from 63.8% in 2023)

One major shift though in 2024 was in pricing.

From $8.83 per pair in 2015 to a peak of $11.98 in 2023 marking a 36% increase.

In 2024 the ~ avg export price per pair fell from $11.98 in 2023 to $11.47.

That’s it from my side and for more details please check out World Footwear Website.