Chinese market changing for Italian shoemakers

More than 4 million pairs of Italian shoes were sold in China last year.

Exports of Italian footwear to China and Hong Kong reportedly reached 1.2 million pairs during the first quarter of 2015, up approximately 4 per cent on the same period last year. The trade value of the exports is said to have exceeded £102.7 million ($160 million) for the quarter. Exports of Italian footwear to China last year totalled just over 4.2 million pairs at a value of £436.6 million ($680 million). The average trade value per pair was £102 ($159), with the majority of the units (over 80 per cent) being leather footwear aimed at the higher end of the market.

The 2015 first quarter figures, which have not yet been verified, suggest a lower trade value per pair. This might equate to the Chinese consumer buying more pairs of less expensive Italian footwear. That would confirm those analysts that claim the demand in China for luxury goods is slowing as the economy cools. While the affluent Chinese consumer is still spending money, there are perhaps fewer shopping trips to exclusive shops in Hong Kong and more discernment over the price paid for footwear.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 2 of the September 2015 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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