European Parliament approves protection of Elche shoes under geoseal
Spain’s shoe sector in the Valencian Community is highlighted as a cornerstone of regional development. The initiative aligns with a broader plan to secure a three-axis support strategy addressing the sector’s key challenges, including human capital, internationalization, and sustainability. The focus is on building a robust working framework, expanding overseas markets, and aligning with EU sustainability demands.
On the human capital front, there is an emphasis on tackling generational change and attracting qualified personnel. The aim is to create stable and productive employment through improved training and career pathways in the footwear and components industry.
A strategic push toward greater internationalization is underlined, given the sector’s significant export activity and past difficulties in selling beyond domestic borders. In 2022, exports of shoes and related components from the Valencian Community reached approximately 1.3 billion euros, nearly half of Spain’s total footwear exports of around 3 billion euros.
The third major challenge centers on sustainability and the circular economy, with expectations shaped by European Union policies. Companies within the sector are already pursuing ambitious circular economy initiatives, including reusing old shoes to create new products or raw materials.
Export
Exports of footwear and accessories from the Valencian Community reached a record level of 703 million euros, marking a nearly 2 percent rise over the previous year. This makes the region Spain’s largest shoe exporter, accounting for around 40 percent of the country’s total footwear exports. The majority of shipments—about 56 percent—consist of leather shoes, with export values rising around 6 percent compared to the first half of the previous year.
France and Italy stand out as the main destinations for Valencian footwear within the European Community. They together accounted for about 14 percent of the total export value. Germany, the United States, and Portugal together represent a significant portion of the region’s shoe exports as well. The market movements show strong demand in Türkiye, the Netherlands, Belgium, and China as key growth markets for regional products.
Overall, the Valencian Community maintains a leading role in Spain’s footwear export landscape, with ongoing diversification of international markets and continued emphasis on high-quality leather goods and components. This trajectory supports regional employment and aims to strengthen Spain’s position in the global footwear market, while adapting to evolving EU sustainability requirements. Attribution: Valencian Regional Government and related trade bodies report the ongoing scale of export activity and market diversification.