According to data released by the Brazilian Shoe Manufacturers Association, footwear exports registered an increase of 60% in December in comparison with the previous month. This recovery resulted in a minor reduction of the global figures for the 2015 external trade figures. In December, Brazil has sold abroad 17.6 million pairs valued at 119.57 million US dollars, up by 60% when compared to November, and growing by 0.3% from similar month in 2014. Looking into the accumulated figures for 2015, Brazil has exported 124 million pairs worthing 960.4 million US dollars, which resulted in a decline of 4.2% in volume and 10% in value when compared to 2014. According to Heitor Klein, President of Abicalçados, the Brazilian Footwear Association, this was an expected result. “The stronger dollar effect was seen at the end of the year, with the more favorable exchange rate applied in the second half now being reflected in the payments”, Mr. Klein has said, adding that it is quite risky to forecast any future trends. Notwithstanding, he expects this to be the beginning of a gradual recovery for the Brazilian footwear exports. The data released by Abicalçados indicates the United States as the main destination market for Brazilian footwear sold abroad, with a total of 11.76 million pairs exported to the North American country, valued at 191.87 million US dollars. The stronger US dollar and the recovery of the American economy explain the performance of the exports to this market. The second main destination for Brazilian footwear is still Argentina. The neighbour country have bought 67.48 million US dollars’ worth of shoes, 17.4% less than in 2014. The economic crisis in the country and the protectionist measures were pointed by Mr. Klein as the main drivers of this performance. France is the third most important destination market for Brazilian footwear as it has acquired 8.46 million pairs, worth 55 million US dollars, down by 21.6% when compared to 2014.
