Spanish footwear loses ground in the UK

Spanish footwear is losing market share in the UK. According to a report from the Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade (ICEX), Spanish footwear exports to the UK have fallen by 4.12% since 2009.

The United Kingdom is the fourth largest export market for Spanish shoes after France, Italy and Germany. Britain is a key trade partner for Spain, where sales have also been sluggish this year.

According to the report, the largest footwear suppliers to the UK are China and Vietnam with a 42% market share. Spain now ranks 10th in the list of countries that supply shoes to the UK, after being overtaken by France and Cambodia in 2015.

UK footwear sales reached over £10 billion in 2015 and are forecast to grow by up to 5% this year. The growth, although smaller compared to previous years, will continue to be significant and boosted by men’s shoes.

In 2015, shoes made in Valencia accounted for 58% of all Spanish footwear shipped to the United Kingdom, followed by exports from Galicia with a 20% share.

Brands such as Camper, Pretty Ballerinas, Unisa and Cuple continue to bet on the British market with several openings in the past few years.

According to ICEX analysts, the UK segments with the highest growth potential are men’s shoes, health-related footwear and wide fit designs, as well as flat shoes for women, sports shoes and seasonal trends.

Despite factors such as rising costs due to the fall of the British pound and political uncertainty, Spanish footwear manufacturers and brands expect to reach a 4% growth in the UK in the next few years.

Spanish footwear loses ground in the UK

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