Myanmar targets 50 per cent shoe production increase

The goal is to boost domestic footwear production to meet local demand and reduce reliance on imports.

Manufacturers in Myanmar’s domestic footwear industry are aiming to increase overall production by 50 per cent over the next two years as they seek to strengthen their position in a market dominated by imported products.

The goal was announced at a recent meeting of the Myanmar MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) Cluster Footwear Manufacturers Federation (Central). According to the Myanmar Footwear Manufacturers Federation, locally made footwear currently accounts for only 25 per cent of the domestic market, with foreign brands holding the remaining 75 per cent.

Mr Kan Nyunt, president of the federation, said domestic manufacturers were working to improve their competitiveness against imported footwear.

“Myanmar footwear manufacturers are endeavouring to win some market share against foreign brands made in China, Thailand and other countries that hold about 75 per cent of shares in the domestic market. Although Myanmar restricts foreign footwear, they are still dominating the market,” he said when explaining about the market condition.

He added that the federation has proposed increasing domestic footwear production by 50 per cent to help meet local demand and reduce reliance on imports. The federation also noted that footwear factories source up to 85 per cent of their raw materials locally, including Myanmar-produced rubber. Discussions at the meeting included plans for a dedicated footwear industrial zone, which industry representatives said would support the long-term and sustainable development of the sector.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 3 of the July/August 2026 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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