Sector

Key Facts and Figures

European shoes are recognised worldwide as a distinctive symbol of traditional values combined with high quality products.

The best indicator is the value of exports in 2019: 9 out of top 15 exporters are European i.e. Italy (3rd), Germany (4th), Belgium (6th), France  (7th), Netherlands (8th), Spain (9th), United Kingdom (12th), Poland (13th), Portugal (15h).

EU exports to third countries have increased by 51% in quantity and 147% in value from 2009 until 2019.

Italy, France and Portugal accounted for 21% of global leather footwear exports in 2019.

In 2018, the European Footwear Sector (EU28) was represented by 19.856 companies and 260.309 direct employees.

As regards continental flows, intra-European trade represents one third of the world footwear trade.

 

Employment data in EU28

Source: Eurostat, February 2021

  • 27 548 2018
  • 27 303 2017
  • 27 142 2016
  • 27 077 2015
  • 27 000 2014
  • 26 110 2013
  • 25 246 2012

Turnover (million Euros)

  • 260 309 2018
  • 278 593 2017
  • 286 651 2016
  • 287 371 2015
  • 293 583 2014
  • 288 100 2013
  • 288 500 2012

Number of people employed

  • 19 856 2018
  • 21 000 2017
  • 20 300 2016
  • 20 600 2015
  • 21 000 2014
  • 20 337 2013
  • 20 695 2012

Number of enterprises