Key Highlights

• The global shoe export market value is $39.55 billion during 2024-2025.

• Vietnam is the top shoe-exporting country, with $24.63 billion worth of exports.

• Hong Kong ranked first among shoe-importing countries, with imports worth $6.70 billion.

• Major share of 84.92% of global footwear is contributed by a group of SMEs under the “Others” category.

• The HS codes for shoes include 6401, 6402, 6403, 6404, 6405 and 6406.

Overview Of The Global Shoes Export Market 2024-2025

Every shoe is a piece of care, design, and craftsmanship brought to life with skilled hands and comforting material. These creations now travel across the globe. The demand for shoes has been growing in recent years. With most of the footwear exports coming from the Asian countries, the global shoe market is ruled by Asian countries. Despite the increasing number of exports, the revenue volume of shoes remains low due to the reduction in shoe pricing and the high export of economical shoes.

Dynamic trade policies have also impacted the footwear export market. FTA has created new opportunities for shoe exporters, while the Trump tariff, on the other hand, has reduced the shoe exports. Multiple sellers have cut down their profit margin to maintain the trade relationship while coping with the increase in tariff.

Key Factors Driving Footwear Export Growth

The growth of the shoes export market is driven by the dynamics of both demand and supply. The key factors of demand include aggressive growth of e-commerce & quick commerce and health, fashion, and fitness-based demands of consumers. The key factors that support supply meeting these demands are a skilled workforce and craftsmanship. Technological advancement for large-scale and qualitative production, along with supportive trade policies, also helps in increasing supply. The major factor that is ruling the sourcing and manufacturing of multiple products is sustainability-based product choices changing from trends to a crucial factor of consumer demands.

Top 5 Countries Shaping The Global Shoe Export Market

Here are the top five countries that are fueling the global shoes export market through large-scale production and global exports during 2024-2025. With ease of trade, multiple mid-level countries are expected to climb up the shoe export quantity ladder.

As per export data, Vietnam leads the export shoes market with exports worth 24.63 billion, followed by Indonesia with 5.07 billion. India ranked third with 2.73 billion worth of shoe exports. And Uzbekistan and Bangladesh exports amounted to $2.35 billion and $1.15 billion, respectively.

Top 5 Destinations For Shoe Exporters

Here are the top destinations for shoe exporters; there is a potential shift expected based on the evolving consumer demand, market trend, and impact of increased tariffs and eased trade policies.

As per import-export data there was an increase in the demand for shoes during 2024-2025. Hong Kong dominated the importers list, with $6.70 billion worth of shoe imports. Taiwan and the United States imported 4.96 billion and 3.69 billion worth of shoes, respectively. South Korea and Macau imported shoes worth 3.14 billion and 2.48 billion, respectively.
 

Top 10 Companies Fueling Shoe Export

As per the major export contribution, 82.94% of global footwear exports is derived from the SMEs. The top three key players are Kids Sales MCHJ, TKG Taekwang Vina Joint Stock Company, and Pou Yuen Vietnam Company Limited, contributing 2.66%, 2.34%, and 2.13% to the global exports, respectively. While OOO Vodiy Shoes Airitom, Golden Star Company Limited, Parkland World Indonesia, PT, Pou Hung Vietnam Company Limited, Vietnam Dona Standard Footwear Co Ltd, and Annora Vietnam Footwear Ltd contribute 1-2% to the global share, Freeview Industrial Vietnam Co Ltd contributes 0.98% to the global shoes export market.

How To Start Exporting Shoes In The Global Market?

The shoes export market is evolving; the elements driving the demand include the change in consumers' lifestyles. Preference of variation. Health-conscious choices. The trending in-demand footwear ranges from cost-effective sneakers to premium shoes to athletic choices.

You can start the shoes export business by researching the market through government platforms. Follow the step-by-step guide to start a shoes export business and subscribe to a private data analytics platform like Ex-Im to reach out to a wide pool of verified buyers to create a verified supply chain. Further, you can use the data to reach out to verified sellers to export products to the global market.

Classification Of Shoes By HS Codes

Here is the HS code classification of footwear and its parts based on the material type. The HS code simplifies the customs clearance process.

In A Nutshell

The shoe export industry is a dynamic industry; it has been evolving with consumers' changing desires for variety, comfort, dynamic lifestyles, and increased disposable income. If you are a buddying leader aiming to start exporting shoes, it's the right time.

The market is growing, and free trade agreements promise a wider market. Track of the global export market and dynamic policies through government platforms. Choose your niche and follow the step-by-step guide to start a shoes export business. Once ready, Monitor the market trends, learn from competitors, and reach out to verified buyers through the Ex-Im app.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which country is the biggest exporter of shoes?
Vietnam is the biggest exporter of shoes; it topped the list with exports worth 24.63 billion during 2024-2025. Next in line as top exporters are Indonesia and India.

2. What are the quality standards and certifications required for shoe export?
The shoes need to match the quality compliance of material and labor safety along with quality standards based on the buyer's destinations. Certification mandates include ISO, ASTM, and other regional certifications depending on the buyer nation.

3. Which country imports shoes from India?
The United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany are the top three countries that import shoes from India.

4. How to find reliable buyers for shoes across the globe?
Monitor the market trends, analyze your competitors, and reach out to verified contact details through the Ex-Im app by The Dollar Business.

5. How to manage import duties, taxes, and customs clearance in destination countries?
You can manage import duties taxes, and customs clearance in destination countries by working with freight forwarders and customs clearance brokers.

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