Shoe exports increased by 8 million pairs last year compared to 2019, but revenue was $819.4 million, 11.9% down.
Turkey exported 285 million pairs of shoes, an increase of 8 million pairs last year compared to 2019. And the export revenue in shoes fell by 11.9% to $819.4 million with the increase in demand for low value-added products.
According to the information compiled by the AA reporter, the exports of shoes, which were 277 million pairs in 2019, rose by 2.9% last year to 285 million pairs.
The revenue earned by exporters from these sales fell 11.9% to $819.4 million.
While leather shoes lead the way with $353.1 million in the total amount, exports of $249.2 million in the synthetic sports shoes group, $121.4 million in textile and sports shoes, $43.1 million in shoe parts, $42.3 million in slippers, and $10.3 million in plastic slippers were realized.
While the loss in leather and leather products exports decreased by 19.9% to $1.3 billion, the decrease in the shoes was less, which took the biggest share from the sector.
The share of the shoe group in total leather and leather products exports was 61.5% last year. The shoe group was followed by “saddlery” with 13.4%, “leather clothing and fur clothing” with 12.5%, and “semi-finished / finished leather and processed fur” with 12.5%.
Most exports are in Russia, the highest increase is in Spain and the Netherlands
Last year, the highest export in footwear was made to Russia with $66.2 million, the share of this country in total exports fell to 8.1%. The decline in Russia exceeded 37% last year compared to 2019.
Russia was followed by Iraq with $63.5 million, Germany with $60.3 million, Spain with $59.9 million and Romania with $32.7 million, Britain and Saudi Arabia with $23.5 million, Italy and Israel with $ 23.3 million, and the Netherlands with $21 million.
Among the top 10 exported countries, there was an increase of 34.3% in the Netherlands, 28.3% in Spain, and 2.7% in Germany. The loss in Israel was limited to 0.5%.
On the other hand, it was noteworthy that the highest loss in the top 10 was experienced in exports to Saudi Arabia with 50.1%.
2021 export target is $1 billion with relief after vaccination and exit in the second half
Abdulsabur Endican, President of the Turkish Footwear Industry Association (TASD), told Anadolu Agency (AA) that they faced serious difficulties last year, that production was disrupted, and that there were high decreases especially in April and May due to export restrictions.
Reminding that the exports that started the year very well started to decrease after March, Endican said that the global epidemic caused unwanted losses in the “shining” shoe exports.
Stating that they exported 8 million pairs more than last year despite all the difficulties, Endican made the following evaluations:
“However, there is a decline of $110 million in value. The main reason for this was the increase in demand for more casual and comfortable shoes with no high added value. Of course, the increase in the demand for affordable products, as well as the high exchange rate, caused a loss in per-unit revenue. Our only hope is the vaccine. With the increase in vaccination and relief, we hope to rise in the second half of the year, where we always export higher. With recovery after vaccination and output in the second half, our 2021 export target is $1 billion.
Stating that the decrease in the domestic market is higher, Endican said, “While retail sales in stores decreased by 60%, the information we received from online indicates that the increase was 15%. Our expectation is that with the removal of restrictions and relief with the vaccine, there will be a rapid increase here.”
Source: AA / Translated by Irem Yildiz