Mexican Footwear – A Great Business Opportunity.

The footwear and leather goods industry is one of Mexico’s most established and valuable industries. With over 400 years of experience, it represents a great business opportunity thanks to key factors such as its workforce, location, materials, agreements and certifications; all of which make it possible to meet the demand and quality requirements of global markets.

Why it is a great business opportunity?

Every year, more than 260 million pairs are manufactured, of which a large percentage goes overseas, consolidating the Mexican footwear industry. Most of the footwear is made in Leon, Guanajuato, one of the largest hubs of the leather and footwear industry. The industry also has advantages that are differentiating and defining factors for exporting products.

Advantages of manufacturing footwear in Mexico.

Strategic location

70% of Mexican footwear is made in Leon, Guanajuato, an area strategically connected via highways with the rest of the country. The infrastructure and roads in Mexico are first-class; there are also 63 border crossings between Mexico and the United States, with 330 ports of entry. Products can be shipped to the United States in 2 or 3 days, to Latin America in a week and to Europe in around 10 days.

Free trade agreement with 46 countries

Free trade agreements are a huge advantage for manufacturing footwear in Mexico, as international companies can import footwear with a 0% customs tariff and can therefore offer more competitive prices. Mexico has free trade agreements with 46 countries, including the United States and Canada.

International Quality Standards and Certifications

Mexican companies participate in programs of international quality certifications and standards, as a quality guarantee for Mexican footwear. Brand such as Nike, Converse, Crocs, Steve Madden, Sketchers, New Balance, Zappos, Dockers, Justin Boots, Pikolinos, Sorel, Levi’s, Lacrosse, Bosi, Frye, Itochu, Aldo, Zara, Nine West, among others, are manufactured in Mexico and this has inspired trust in the quality of Mexican footwear.

Highly specialized footwear manufacturing systems

 “There is no footwear that can’t be made in Mexico”. Mexico offers a wide range of footwear styles and constructions, including Goodyear Welt, Opanka, California, Hand-Sewn, Cemented, Vulcanized, Moccasin, Full Plastic, Stitched, Direct Attach, Lockstitch, Direct Injection, Strobel, among others.

Companies of all sizes

Companies in the footwear industry in Mexico range in size, making it possible to attend to the different production volume requirements and adapt to specific needs.

Specialists in leather footwear

One of the most exported materials in Mexico is leather; a key material for Mexico. First-class leather footwear is manufactured, and exports have increased on average by 15% each year. With 696 tanneries, footwear factories have the best raw material on their doorstep.

Specialized fairs for leather goods like SAPICA

One of the most important trade fairs in Latin America is SAPICA, held twice a year. It is the perfect platform for doing business and networking with the best footwear brands that boast the highest standards of manufacturing and footwear design. The first event this year is taking place March 12-15, 2019 at Poliforum Leon. You can find out more about the 80^th edition of this event in our blog here.

The footwear industry in Mexico is undoubtedly a great business opportunity, because it encompasses all the key factors required for a successful product. It is an industry that is extremely experienced in manufacturing, design, trends and innovation, making it specialists in value-added and high-quality footwear.

By, sfm