Footwear exports hold steady while other industries stall
A familiar saying about scarce joy in hard times appears in the context of pre-pandemic export rebounds. The footwear sector is showcasing positive results this Tuesday at the Milan fair, even as the fourth quarter brings lingering uncertainties. With inflation affecting consumer spending, companies in the province participating in the Italian event note a rebound in activity, though overall demand has not yet reached the levels seen before the health crisis. [Citation: Milan footwear fair updates and market sentiment]
A Alicante-based footwear industry delegation attended Micam in Milan with strong year-to-date foreign trade performance. A total of 46 companies participated, nearly half of the Spanish representation, and the event generated broadly optimistic sentiment. The fair drew about 800 participants from around the world, and executives highlighted the strong commercial activity as collections for the 2023 summer season were showcased. [Citation: Spanish participation at Micam 2023]
Marián Cano, president of the Valencian Footwear Entrepreneurs Association (Avecal), remarked that overall sentiment was positive because the market could operate smoothly. He also stressed that the fair signaled a return of buyers who had stayed away during the pandemic, including participants from Asian markets. [Citation: Avecal leadership commentary]
All of this occurs against a backdrop where exports are finally gaining momentum after a prolonged drought, with repeat orders arising for the summer campaign. Cano notes that buyers have been more cautious since the pandemic began, often placing larger orders to cover anticipated demand. [Citation: Export recovery and order patterns]
The main risk area lies in the last quarter of the year, given ongoing international tensions from the war in Ukraine. Avecal’s head explains the concern that persistent inflation could dampen fashion consumption. Sales have advanced, but if retail faces setbacks, repeat purchases may decline, leading to higher stock levels. If this season starts slowly, the next campaign could suffer as a consequence. [Citation: Inflation impact on fashion retail]
Footwear exports hold steady while other industries stall
Another challenge for consumption is the need for firms to manage sharp increases in energy, transport, and raw materials within their pricing. The market view is clear: while many companies have kept costs contained, there may be no choice but to pass some of these increases to prices. In short, these conditions add to the uncertainty facing the sector. [Citation: Industry cost pressures 2024]
Textilhogar invites buyers from 44 countries on his return to Valencia
Rafael Bernabeu, managing director of J’Khayber, framed Milan as the first fair since the pre-pandemic period where the industry has regained ground, yet acknowledges there is still room to grow. His company is performing well in sneakers but remains attentive to the final stretch of the year. He pointed to macro factors like inflation, electricity costs, and higher interest rates as key determinants of how the end consumer may respond. [Citation: J’Khayber market outlook]