China’s shoe exports fall 30.6%

China’s shoe and boot exports recorded a year-on-year drop of 30.6% in volume from January to April 2020, to 2.132 million pairs.

Globally, China leads external sales of footwear, leggings and the like, with increasing competition from Vietnam, but also from nations such as Germany and Indonesia, for certain niches.

All in all, Chinese exports of this group of products totaled close to $ 48 billion in 2019, almost double that of its closest competitor, Vietnam.

According to information from the General Administration of Customs of China, this country registered exports of shoes and boots for 9.638 million dollars during the first four months of 2020, a decrease of 26.3%, at an annual rate.

Practically, China exports footwear to the whole world, having as its main developed markets the United States, Japan, Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom, while in Indonesia and Vietnam they stand out as destinations among developing countries.

Exports and manufacturing

In April alone, Chinese exports of shoes and boots totaled 403 million pairs, worth $ 1.862 million.

Overcapacity in some sectors of energy and manufacturing and implicit aid to state-owned companies have increased over several years.

Among the main initiatives taken by the Government in recent years to promote the manufacturing sector in China is the adoption of the «China Manufactory 2025» plan, which was launched in 2015.

To put it into practice, China intends to establish pilot projects in cities, as well as «national demonstration areas». The authorities indicate that the plan will apply on equal terms to all companies established in China. Various sectoral policies have been introduced to promote the development of alternative energy powered vehicles, integrated circuits and robotics, for example.