Footwear sector records a decline in its trade surplus through September

Simultaneous pressure on foreign trade

Brazil's footwear industry faced a combination of increased imports and a retreat in overseas sales between January and September 2026. During the period, Brazil imported 36.6 million pairs, up 9.1% from the same period in 2025.

Exports moved in the opposite direction. A total of 71.6 million pairs were shipped, generating US$ 621.14 million. Volume fell 6.7% and revenue declined 15.6% year over year. As a result, the sector's trade surplus in dollars shrank by more than 56%.

The difference between the reduction in the number of pairs shipped abroad and the sharper drop in revenue indicates a decrease in the average value obtained per exported unit. In September, the country exported 9.15 million pairs and earned US$ 79.7 million. Volume was 0.5% below the figure recorded in the same month of 2025, while revenue decreased 6.6%.

Asian suppliers expand their presence

Vietnam led Brazilian imports by value. From January through September, it shipped 11 million pairs, equivalent to US$ 250.66 million, with increases of 17.8% in volume and 31.1% in revenue.

Purchases from China totaled 10.74 million pairs, up 22.5%, and reached US$ 37.5 million, a 9.5% increase in value. Indonesia followed, with 6 million pairs and US$ 109.65 million. In this case, volume fell 14%, while revenue rose 1.4%.

Performance of the main markets

The United States remained the main destination for Brazilian footwear. The market received 7.9 million pairs worth US$ 130.84 million. Exports to the country fell 4.3% in volume and 23.8% in revenue.

Argentina was the second-largest destination, with 6.17 million pairs and US$ 74.33 million. Shipments fell 43.7% in quantity and 52% in value. Paraguay, the third-largest market, received 6 million pairs that generated US$ 35.9 million. Volume fell 14.7%, but revenue grew 6.4%.

Despite the expansion of sales to Latin American countries other than Argentina, the performance did not offset the overall decline. In this group, exports grew 11.2% in dollars and 10.4% in pairs.

Exporting states

Rio Grande do Sul led state exports, with 25.26 million pairs and revenue of US$ 309.2 million. Volume increased 2.1%, but value fell 14%.

Ceará ranked second, with 19.6 million pairs and US$ 108.43 million, recording declines of 19% in volume and 23.8% in revenue. São Paulo ranked third, with 4.43 million pairs and US$ 62.84 million; the decreases were 15.5% and 17.7%, respectively.

Challenge for the supply chain

The decline in export revenue, combined with the increase in imports, puts greater competitive pressure on Brazilian manufacturers. The scenario may affect margins, production, and investment, but the sources consulted do not quantify possible impacts on jobs or industrial facilities.

The sector's performance will depend on the behavior of overseas sales, imports, domestic demand, and companies' ability to recover competitiveness in international markets.