Business

India’s Footwear Exports Rise 25% To $5.7 Billion In FY25; Set To Cross $6.5 Billion In FY26

India’s leather and non-leather footwear and product exports surged by nearly 25% year-on-year to USD 5.7 billion in 2024–25, according to the Council for Leather Exports (CLE).

The council expects exports to exceed USD 6.5 billion in the current fiscal year (2025–26).

Footwear Exporters Surpass Targets Amid Global Uncertainty

CLE Executive Director R. Selvam confirmed that the sector exceeded its USD 4.7 billion export target set by the Department of Commerce by USD 1 billion.

He highlighted that the industry continues to grow steadily despite ongoing global uncertainties.

Strong Demand From US And UK Markets

CLE Chairman Rajendra Kumar Jalan said exports to key markets such as the US and UK are performing well.

“Order books remain healthy, and we’re witnessing strong demand from both countries,” he noted.

Even though exporters offered discounts to offset a 10% tariff hike, Jalan clarified that there were no order cancellations.

“The situation has stabilised since April 14–15,” he added.

The council has proposed a ‘zero-for-zero’ duty arrangement in the ongoing bilateral trade agreement discussions with the US, aiming to eliminate tariffs on footwear exports entirely.

Labour-Intensive Sector With High Growth Potential

Jalan highlighted the industry’s labour-intensive nature, employing around 42 lakh people across the country.

The sector currently has a total turnover of USD 19 billion, including USD 5 billion in exports.

According to industry projections, the sector aims to double its turnover to USD 39 billion by 2030.

This includes USD 25 billion from domestic production and USD 13.7 billion from exports.

Chinese Investors Eye Indian Footwear Industry

The CLE also revealed that several Chinese investors are exploring partnerships with Indian footwear companies to establish manufacturing units in India, further strengthening the industry’s growth outlook.

Also Read: India’s Telecom Subscriber Base Rises To 1,192 Million In January 2025

Bharat Express English

Recent Posts

Hina Khan Hails 11 Years Of PM Modi’s Leadership; Highlights National Progress

As the nation marks 11 years under PM Modi's leadership, actress Hina Khan shares her…

4 hours ago

Subhash Ghai Hails PM Modi’s Transformative Vision For India

Subhash Ghai has praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for catalysing India’s growth and changing the…

4 hours ago

India & Central Asia Boost Rare Earth Cooperation At Delhi Meet

India and five Central Asian nations have agreed to deepen cooperation on rare earths and…

5 hours ago

PM Modi’s Beej Se Bazaar Tak Vision Reshapes Indian Agriculture

Prime Minister Modi has redefined Indian agriculture with the ‘Beej Se Bazaar Tak’ vision, transforming…

6 hours ago

EV Sales Cross 4% Mark In May; Signalling Steady Shift To Green Mobility

EV sales topped 4% of passenger vehicle retail in May 2025, signalling growing demand for…

6 hours ago

Self-Reliant Defence Industry Marks India’s Strategic Security Ascent

One year into Modi 3.0, reforms have reduced poverty, strengthened defence, and accelerated the digital…

6 hours ago