Slight increase in sales and stable employment
The German footwear industry showed astonishing stability in the first half of 2025 despite challenging conditions. Manufacturers' sales rose slightly from €1,15 billion to €1,16 billion compared to the same period last year, corresponding to an increase of 1,3 percent, said Torben Schütz, Deputy General Manager of the German Footwear and Leather Goods Industry Association (HDS/L), at the association's press conference at the Twodays trade fair in Düsseldorf. The domestic market saw significant growth: At €924 million, sales were 5,1 percent higher than in the first half of 2024. At the same time, foreign sales fell from €272 million to €242 million, a decrease of 11,0 percent.
Employment in companies with 50 or more employees remained virtually constant, rising slightly by 0,2 percent to 9.241. Including smaller companies, around 15.500 people work in the German shoe industry.
Producer prices for shoes rose by 2025 percent in the first half of 1,2, for leather goods by 1,6 percent, and for clothing by 2,7 percent. Compared to the years 2015 to 2025, the increase for shoes was 25 percent. Consumer prices for shoes rose moderately by 0,8 percent during the same period, with children's and women's shoes becoming slightly more expensive and men's shoes becoming marginally cheaper.
Foreign trade: opportunities and uncertainties
In the first five months of 2025, Germany exported 159,8 million pairs of shoes valued at €4,4 billion, a volume increase of 4,0 percent. Poland remains the most important export country (+11,5 percent). France (+6,2 percent) and Italy (+11,4 percent) also recorded increases, while exports to other European countries such as Austria and Switzerland declined. US tariff policy posed particular challenges for the industry: Despite tariff increases, exports to the US increased by 22,0 percent.
Germany recorded a 2025 percent increase in imports to 17,2 million pairs of shoes from January to May 331,2. China remains the leader with a 41,7 percent import share, but Vietnam (+36,1 percent) and Indonesia (+33,0 percent) also saw significant increases. Both shoes with leather uppers and those with textile or synthetic uppers recorded rising import figures.
Trade marked by nervousness
At the HDS/L press conference in Düsseldorf, Torben Schütz highlighted the nervousness in the retail sector: "Many retailers have had a difficult first half of the year. Ordering behavior is subdued and characterized by uncertainty. At the same time, however, there are around 20 percent of retailers who are on track and have developed strategies for themselves."
Schütz emphasized that rising operating costs and the continued low profitability in retail are further complicating the situation. While consumer prices have risen only moderately, other cost items such as energy, wages, and tax consulting have increased significantly. This has a direct impact on margins and influences retailers' willingness to place orders.
Another point is digital transformation: "The shoe industry is not yet sufficiently digitized in many processes," says Schütz. This puts it at a disadvantage compared to other industries and hampers competitive responsiveness.
Opportunities despite volatile conditions
Despite global uncertainties – geopolitical tensions, volatile US tariff policy, and subdued consumer sentiment – the industry is looking to several sources of hope. Schütz sees growth potential, among other things, in the barefoot shoe segment and in curated assortments that secure additional sales. The planned EU free trade agreement with Indonesia and the EU Commission's Omnibus Initiative to reduce bureaucracy could also have a positive impact. "With less bureaucracy and more free trade, the German shoe industry can regain momentum and momentum," Schütz emphasized.
