Footwear exports hit $2.3b

Leather and footwear exports topped US$2.3 billion in the first half, 10.9 per cent up over the same period last year.

The US was the largest importer, accounting for 28.9 per cent of exports, the Viet Nam Leather and Footwear Association said.

Exports to the EU fell because of the European Commission’s anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese leather-capped shoes.

Most footwear makers now have orders for until the end of the year, with orders rising 15-20 per cent from last year.

Viet Nam exports mostly sports shoes, cloth and leather shoes, and sandals to 50 countries and territories.

Many of the companies, including Biti’s, Vina Giay, and T&T, have successfully built up their brands.

Exporters have also been focusing on expanding their domestic market share, managing to capture a 50 per cent share.

But the footwear industry faced a 10 per cent labour shortage in the first half.

The association urged shoe makers to take measures to retain workers and provide training for new workers they manage to hire. — VNS

Tags: Vietnam Footwear, Vietnam Footwear Exports