US-China tariff war unlocks opportunity for Pakistan's footwear industry

The ongoing tariff war between the United States and China has created an opportunity for Pakistan’s footwear exporters to expand their presence in the US market.

With Washington imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, US businesses and consumers are seeking alternative suppliers to fill gaps in the supply chain.

The global footwear trade stands at $159 billion, comprising 76% textile footwear and 24% leather footwear. China alone exports $51 billion worth of footwear worldwide, including $19 billion to the US.

The US imports $28 billion worth of textile and leather footwear from various countries, including China and Vietnam. This amount is $2 billion less than Pakistan’s total exports, highlighting a potential market for Pakistani manufacturers.

An official stated that the footwear industry is closely monitoring the ongoing tariff dispute between the US and China and is looking to take advantage of the situation by entering the US footwear market.

Limited Exports but High Potential

Officials told Nukta that Pakistan’s footwear industry has traditionally focused on the domestic market, leading to relatively low exports of $164 million—far behind competitors like India, Brazil, and Vietnam.

However, they said Islamabad could capitalize on the trade war between Washington and Beijing, particularly in the textile and leather shoe segments.

Expanding Market Access

Pakistani manufacturers offer a diverse range of footwear styles, including textile and leather shoes, which are in demand in the US market. To seize this opportunity, officials emphasized the need for greater awareness and market penetration.

They suggested that Pakistani exporters should invest in marketing campaigns, participate in international trade exhibitions, and establish robust distribution networks in the US.

Additionally, collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) could help local businesses build relationships with US-based distributors and retailers, ensuring better access to the American market.