Footwear was one of many product categories affected by the 25% tariffs the US imposed on March 4. Shoe manufacturers in Mexico were facing turmoil because of the tariff and trade dispute that has opened up between Mexico, and the US and may still do so, although a temporary reprieve came on March 6. By Leatherbiz.

The new tariffs began to apply the day the Mexican footwear industry gathered in León for the 92nd edition of the Sapica exhibition. Events on the first day of the exhibition included the presentation of a new certified brand-name, ‘Shoes from Mexico’.

Industry organisation CICEG has told World Leather that Mexico exported 48.1 million pairs of shoes and boots in 2024, bringing revenues of $980 million into the country, with an average price per pair of $20.37.

Compared to 2023, these figures represent an increase in volume of more than 60% and a total increase in value of 7.6%. But the average price per pair for Mexican footwear exports fell by 33% year on year, suggesting that price pressures are an important factor in the country’s footwear trade in international markets.

CICEG has confirmed that almost 85% of Mexico’s total footwear exports in 2024 were to the US.

On March 6, US president, Donald Trump, said that, after speaking to his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum, he had decided to postpone until April 2 the application of the new tariffs.

This postponement applies to exports from Mexico of products that were previously able to cross the border tariff-free. Trade agreements between Mexico and the US have been in place since 1994.