Lower consumption and imports impact Argentina’s footwear industry
The footwear sector is facing reduced domestic demand, high interest rates, and an increase in imported products. In this context, national production fell from 120 million pairs in 2023 to 100 million in 2024, with projections of 70 to 80 million pairs for 2025.
The Secretary of the Chamber of the Footwear Industry (CIC) of Buenos Aires, Horacio Moschetto, reported that 15,000 of the sector’s 70,000 jobs have been lost. He also mentioned shutdowns of large-scale plants across the country.
Small and medium-sized companies are implementing ongoing layoffs and suspensions, with further job losses reported at major firms such as DASS, BICONTINENTAR, and TOPPER, according to Grupo La Provincia.