Sector news menu. Click on the link to go to the news >> Global Skechers brand uses Guanajuato footwear >> SAPICA Show Rooms open >> Agreement with China will promote increase in footwear trade activity >> Footwear industry shieled for three more years from Chinese threat  >> Investment of 815 million pesos to build new footwear outlet to bring products closer to Mexico City market  >> Mexican shoemarkers to seek restoration of 35% duty on footwear >> Mexican government pledges support for footwear industry in case of serious impact due to Chinese imports >> Mexican footwear exports grow 24% during 2011
Global Skechers brand uses Guanajuato footwear “The great footwear brands are turning their eyes to Mexico, and an example is the Skechers brand, a company that sells more than 100 million pairs per year and has points of sale in different parts of the world.” Those words were spoken by Armando Martín Dueñas, president of the Guanajuato State Footwear Industry Chamber (CICEG) upon announcing the visit to SAPICA of Eckerhard Knoepke, vice president for world production of Skechers. CICEG’s president affirmed that Mexican manufacturers already produce footwear for this important brand – footwear with quality, design and fashion, basic characteristics that consumers demand. In turn, Knoepke stated that two years ago Skechers began a business relationship with the Charlie Group, one that has grown very quickly and, of course, to the benefit of both sides. He added that the world manufacturing market has changed greatly, in Asia as well as in Mexico, permitting a return of interest in Mexico as a production site. “Fifteen years ago, Skechers did not come to Mexico to manufacture, and now we find that the industry has changed,” he said. “There are still challenges to overcome, but the main change that I see is that it has become a very serious industry. Before it was very informal, but now it has become a very serious industry. The factories are very modern, very much up-to-date, and we don’t find big technological differences between a Mexican factory and a Chinese one.” He commented that his company’s strategy is not only to make shoes in Mexico and send them to the United States. He knows that Mexico has signed free-trade agreements with many countries and his vision is to make shoes in this country and ship them to all the countries with which it has treaties. On another topic, Knoepke said that the main challenge for manufacturers is cost, since Mexico, compared to China, has labor costs that are three times higher, which greatly influences product price. He pronounced himself confident that this challenge could be eliminated through close cooperation between manufacturers and Skechers technicians using technology and automation in order to cut labor expenses and reduce overall costs. He reiterated that his company is very interested in doing more business and that the challenges can be overcome. The result could be major benefits for Skechers and the Mexican footwear industry. << Regresar    SAPICA Show Rooms open León, Guanajuato, Mexico, March 28, 2012 – The Show Rooms of the Leather and Footwear Salon (SAPICA) have opened. A novel model in the exhibition of footwear, where buyers and the specialized media can appreciate closer than ever and with explanations by the exhibiting companies of the trends, designs and technical and corporate backing for the coming season’s new collections. On this occasion, SAPICA prepared 10 Show Rooms for well-known Mexican brands such as Colectivo Creare, Aretina (men’s shoes) Ackerman (men’s), Julio de Mucha (ladies’ and men’s), Piel y Madera (ladies’), Odeón (ladies’) Renata Donati (ladies’), Cáctus (ladies’ and men’s), Liberti (ladies’ and men’s) and Pontiac (men’s). Under the direction of Mario Méndez, the first four Show Rooms have taken place: Colectivo Creare, Aretina, Ackerman and Piel y Madera. Aretina With the help of its own designer, Aretina, one of the companies with the highest production capacity in central Mexico, presented a footwear collection for a wide range of customers, from 18 to 60 years old. With basic forms, this company has shown interesting development in its footwear, which now displays very lively colors and which has taken a major leap toward integration of design, fashion and better craftsmanship, foretelling a very interesting future. Ackerman The Ackerman company is synonymous with quality in men’s shoes. During its Show Room, its CEO, Armando Martín Dueñas, emphasized the care taken in the crafting of its footwear, which is fundamental, as is the selection of its raw materials. Starting with the idea that high-fashion shoes of good design need not be expensive, Ackerman bases its collection on a shoe that can be worn by young men as well as by men who must be well-dressed all day and, involved in many activities, can be helped by a comfortable shoe that can keep up with that rhythm of life. With that in mind, footwear experts say that Ackerman has few competitors in a market where production is as exclusive as its target market, since one of this company’s workers produces fewer than 10 pairs a day. Piel y Madera José Pedro González of the design area of the PIMA group presented a perfect mixed collection of quality, leadership and freshness that emphasizes a woman’s feminine side. González described his collection as loyal, promoting self-improvement and for very self-assured women. With the slogan “I like to be this way,” the proposal encompassed feminine leadership, as much for the mature as for the young woman, and with the positive self-esteem that the consumer seeks to identify with. << Regresar    Agreement with China will promote increase in footwear trade activity León, Guanajuato, Mexico, March 28, 2012 – The agreement between Mexico and China to avoid the introduction into the Mexican market of underpriced Chinese footwear has begun to create certainty among international businesspeople who wish to buy Mexican shoes and also will allow improvement in both the domestic and foreign business of the Mexican industry. Luis Gerardo González, president of the organizing committee of the Leather and Footwear Salon (SAPICA), stated that a number of footwear buyers and even importers, both foreign and domestic, had been waiting for the outcome of the Mexico-China negotiations in order to take business decisions. “We were seeing the Chinese threat very close, and with this agreement we will feel more security and tranquility to invest, buy and sell, both inside and outside the Mexican market,” he said. He said furthermore that the Mexican footwear industry had registered neither job losses nor commercial problems arising from Europe’s commercial instability, and that he does not expect to see any reaction to Europe’s economic problems. Armando Martin Dueñas, president of the Guanajuato State Footwear Industry Chamber (CICEG), said on the second day of activities in SAPICA that the main objective of the domestic footwear industry is to adequately cover the internal market and later improve its position overseas. He stated that Mexico had made major efforts through programs such as Mexican Shoes to consolidate the Mexican industry in foreign markets, especially in countries like Japan. CICEG’s president went on to say that the Mexican footwear industry has made efforts to introduce Mexican shoes in China, but that the attempt has been fruitless since China has a number of non-tariff measures and “unwritten rules” that impede the importation of foreign footwear into its market. “The Chinese only want to sell shoes to Mexico,” he said. “They aren’t interested in buying.” Also speaking was Rocío Acevedo, CICEG’s assistant director for business development, who asserted that Mexico is making a considerable effort to place a “country brand” for Mexican footwear in a number of international markets, and that it is already recognized as such in many nations. It is notable that the volume of Mexican footwear exports in the last three years has been the highest in the last decade, with an increase of around 20 percent per year since 2009. SAPICA President González stated during a press conference to reveal results from the fair’s first day of activities that one of the key figures is an increase in the number of international buyers registered up to that moment. During SAPICA ‘s first day, around 120 foreign buyers registered, or double the number on the first day of the previous edition. The arriving buyers hail from countries including Germany, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Spain, the United States, France, Guatemala, Italy and Panama. Oscar Galván, CICEG’s coordinator of social networks, announced an intense strategy of closer contact in SAPICA’s social networks, which will promote its Facebook and Twitter accounts and start up a SAPICA blog, with the goal of promoting the fair and Mexican brands that fulfill international conditions of quality and competitiveness. << Regresar    Footwear industry shielded for three more years from Chinese threat León, Guanajuato, Mexico, March 27, 2012 – Mexico and China signed an agreement under which the Asian country will not sell footwear at unfair prices that gravely affect the competitiveness of the Mexican shoe industry. The pact becomes effective on May 1 and expires in December 2014. Lorenza Martínez, undersecretary of industry and commerce in the federal Economy Ministry, stated that the accord was signed with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and also that its objective is not to be an obstacle to trade, but rather to defend the Mexican footwear market against the extremely low prices with which the Chinese currently import their products into our country. The pact is intended to be a verifiable agreement between customs authorities to assure that the price on the shoes upon their exit from China is unchanged when it arrives in Mexico. During the opening of the 66th edition of the Leather and Footwear Salon (SAPICA), Ms. Martínez explained that the agreement avoids the need for Mexico to apply safeguards against the substantial increase of Chinese shoe imports into the country and which would only be in force until 2013. The subsecretary emphasized that that this action will forestall a significant number of commercial legal actions between the countries regarding their bilateral footwear trade, as well as provide Mexican industry with the certainty that it will not have to face unfair competition due to the low cost of Chinese products in the Mexican market. It should be noted that recently the Guanajuato State Footwear Industry Chamber (CICEG), organizer of SAPICA, announced that the increase in Chinese footwear exports to Mexico only during the first month after the expiration of the so-called transition measures with China amounted to more than 150 percent. The subsecretary commented that Mexico is currently the best-positioned country in Latin America to be the most efficient manufacturing producer in the region, since it is now involved in various projects for improvement and value generation in different productive chains.   In his own remarks, CICEG president Armando Martín Dueñas stated that the agreement with China was the result of a joint effort with Mexican federal authorities and forms part of one of the major working objectives of Mexican industry in recent years – the defense of the domestic market against unfair trade practices. He also announced that based on different development and productivity programs in the industry, it has been possible to place the sector in the best competitive position in its history in terms of exports. An example is a 17-percent increase in export volume with foreign shipments of 22 million pairs during 2011. With these programs, he said, the Mexican footwear industry is on track to reach its goal of exporting 70 million pairs of footwear in 2020. In his remarks, Guanajuato Gov. Juan Manuel Oliva said his administration is firmly committed to supporting the Mexican footwear industry, which is the main source of employment and the generation of wealth in the state. Finally, Luis Gerardo González, president of SAPICA’s organizing committee, said that the fair, which covers an area of 45,000 square meters (more than 11 acres) in the installations of the León Poliforum, this year boasts the presence of 850 exhibitors from various parts of Mexico and countries such as Spain and Colombia. Also expected is the attendance of some 11,000 Mexican and foreign buyers, representing countries such as Germany, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, the United States, France, Guatemala, Italy, Japan and El Salvador. The fair is composed of 10 pavilions: high fashion, ladies’, men’s, dress, casual, sport, children’s, Western, leather goods and Developing Companies. Announced as participants in the show International SAPICA Fashion were the designers Carla Fernández, Fernando Kamana and Lydia Lavín. Additionally, González noted that the fair will include 10 Show Rooms featuring exhibits by such well-known Mexican brands as Ackerman (men’s shoes), Julio de Mucha (ladies’ and men’s), Piel y Madera (ladies’), Odeón (ladies’) Renata Donati (ladies’), Cáctus (ladies’ and men’s), Liberti (ladies’ and men’s) and Pontiac (men’s). << Regresar      Investment of 815 million pesos to build new footwear outlet to bring products closer to Mexico City market León, Guanajuato, Mexico, Sept. 2, 2011 – Some 815 million pesos ($68 million U.S.) will be invested in the construction of a footwear outlet mall to be located between the cities of León and Querétaro, with the goal of bringing the product of Mexico’s shoe-producing Bajío region to the consumer market of the nation’s capital. As part of the third day of activities in the Leather and Footwear Salon (SAPICA), Fernando Barba, coordinator of the outlet project, told a press conference that the scheme is a result of the commitment of a group of Mexican investors who are only awaiting the conclusion of negotiations with the financial institution involved to obtain capital and start construction. This project, called Stadia, will aim to attract buyers within a radius of about 270 kilometers (more than 400 miles), an area that includes some 50 million people in Mexico City and surrounding states.    Barba stated that the project could get under way within 120 days with the placing of the cornerstone. There will be capacity for over 200 shoe firms to display their products, of which about 85 have already confirmed their participation. The mall could offer exhibition areas with over 200 square meters (more than 2,000 square feet) for each company, in which they will be able to offer their complete range of products or even serve as distribution centers. Larger integrated areas, as well as simpler ones, will also be available depending on the needs of each business. The project will be located in an area of 20 hectares (nearly 50 acres), Barba said, and will include not only footwear shops but also commercial “anchor” stores and shops featuring textiles, apparel, hats and leather goods. For his part, Arturo Gutiérrez, coordinator of SAPICA’s new Social Networks project, disclosed that after six months of the fair’s first appearance on Facebook, it already has 157,000 followers, which allows a powerful interaction with the general public. The final speaker was Luis Gerardo González, president of SAPICA, who stated that through the second day of the fair, the number of Mexican and international buyers was comparable to that of the same period in the prior edition. SAPICA´s president stated that about 5,000 domestic and international buyers from over 15 countries have visited the fair so far. << Regresar
Mexican shoemarkers to seek restoration of 35% duty on footwear León, Guanajuato, Mexico, Sept. 1, 2011 – The Mexican footwear industry will ask the country’s trade authorities to reinstate the 35-percent duty on imported footwear products, the maximum figure permitted under the rules of the World Trade Organization.   Armando Martín Dueñas, president of the Guanajuato State Footwear Industry Chamber (CICEG), said the request will be delivered to the Mexican government during one of the periodic follow-up meetings taking place with the federal Economy Ministry to discuss developments in the domestic market once transition measures against Chinese footwear come to an end. It should be recalled that the ministry’s undersecretary for industry and trade and CICEG announced yesterday that the Mexican shoe industry will begin a constant flow of information to the government to measure the impact caused by the elimination of tariffs on Chinese footwear that starts in December, with the objective of immediately taking steps if the change causes serious effects in the country. In this program, meetings between the parties will take place every two weeks in order to monitor the behavior of the market, an environment in which shoemakers could request the return of the 35-percent maximum duty in some categories of footwear, CICEG’s Martín said. << Regresar
Mexican government pledges support for footwear industry in case of serious impact due to Chinese imports León, Guanajuato, Mexico, Aug. 31, 2011 – The Mexican footwear industry and the federal government have reached an agreement under which the government can take immediate measures, “which could reach the status of protection,” in the event of a major increase in Chinese footwear imports into Mexico. Industrialists of the sector as well as the federal Economy Ministry announced that the transition period for defending the domestic market against Chinese imports will end on Dec. 31 as agreed; nevertheless, footwear businesses will provide necessary information to the ministry so it can act in case of grave damage resulting from the trade opening. During the inauguration of the 65th edition, for Spring-Summer 2012, of the Leather and Footwear Salon (SAPICA), Armando Martín Dueñas, president of the Guanajuato State Footwear Industry Chamber (CICEG), stated that the agreement was reached today in a private meeting before the opening of the exhibition. Likewise, the Economy Ministry and CICEG announced that the Mexican government will install lists of actual prices in Mexican customs facilities in order to defend the domestic market against undervaluation in footwear imports into the country. In this regard, Lorenza Martínez, undersecretary for industry and commerce of the Economy Ministry, requested Mexican footwear executives to maintain a constant flow of information to the Ministry so as to keep track of the behavior of the footwear industry at the end of the transition period to the opening of the market, due in December. She explained the government’s commitment to defending the Mexican shoe industry and stated that to date it has established 38 compensatory quotas on imports in different industries, while conducting seven additional investigations in the field. Martínez said that the main challenges to the Mexican economy have foreign origins, meaning it is necessary to implement actions to defend the domestic market, promote productive investment in the country and facilitate the positioning of Mexican products in the most important global markets. Also speaking was Armando Martín Dueñas, president of CICEG, who asserted that thanks to the agreement established with the federal government, the industry will seek to re-establish employment in the region’s footwear industry, particularly in the main shoe-producing cities of León, San Francisco del Rincón and Purísima del Rincón, as well as to provide economic peace and stability. He also stated that if no protective measure for the Mexican market is enacted by the December deadline, 35,000 could be lost jobs by 2012 and up to 55,000 jobs lost in the entire productive chain by 2015.   Dueñas explained that 80 percent of the companies in the industry are of micro, small and medium size, which are the ones that are most exposed to unfair competition. He emphasized that the objective is to regain the productive conditions that this sector enjoyed ten years ago. He warned that signs of contraction in the Mexican shoe industry had already been seen in the first six months of 2011, when there was a decline of 1.25 percent in production, while the importation of shoes grew by 32.5 percent during 2010. Also during the opening of SAPICA, an agreement was formalized between CICEG and the Council for Normalization and Certification of Competencies for the creation in Guanajuato of a Committee for Management of Competencies, which will allow the acknowledgement and official certification of the skills and positions of both shoe workers and executives, while establishing quality standards for the state. For his part, Guanajuato Gov. Juan Manuel Oliva demanded support for the Mexican footwear industry through legal measures that would aid the implementation of defensive actions as soon as possible to fight against sub-valuation and triangulation if it becomes necessary, as well as adjustments in international trade laws to have legal instruments on hand to fight contraband. “The road is not toward confrontation, but an alliance to defend the industry,” Oliva said. “We are not going to wait until a tragedy happens to take action. Let us be loud and clear: we are a working team and we will not let the shoe industry stand alone.” Miguel Marón, undersecretary for medium and small businesses in the Economy Ministry, stated that his department has aided 700 shoe retailers through the program “My Shoe Shop.” The last speaker of the event, SAPICA President Luis Gerardo González, stated that the footwear industry is strong and united, as proved by the 37 years of work involved in carrying out the fair, the leader in Latin America and second in importance in the Americas. He explained that this edition of SAPICA will have several showrooms with the participation of the Mexican designer Guillermo León. González also announced the presentation of prominent Mexican designers César Yamasaki, Lorena Sarabia, Natali Amkie and Alana Savoir, who will exhibit their designs together with footwear from some of the country’s most important manufacturers. On this occasion, PROSPECTAMODA will premiere Showrooms, unique in the history of Mexican fashion, in which eight leading brands will present their fashion collections in a novel and professional format, with a focus completely aimed at communications media previously unseen in the country. Additionally, SAPICA officials announced former Miss Universe Alicia Machado as hostess of INTERNATIONAL SAPICA FASHION LEÓN, the climactic event of the fair, and that famed singer-songwriter Marco Antonio Solís, known as “El Buki,” will perform as part of the activities planned during this edition of SAPICA.  << Regresar
Mexican footwear exports grow 24% during 2011 Mexico City, August 17, 2011 —The Mexican footwear industry increased its exports by 24% in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period last year. During the first six months of this year, the shoemaking sector registered exports of more than 11 million pairs, most of them to the American market, while exports for the first six months of 2010 amounted to some eight million pairs. Luis Gerardo González, president of the Organizing Committee of SAPICA (the Leather and Footwear Salon, the most important shoe fair in Mexico, second in importance in Latin America and No. 4 worldwide), disclosed the figures at a press conference. He explained that even though Mexican exports have strengthened this year, growth has not been seen in the internal market, which has seen a reduction in sales orders. González also stated that there is already a 25% decrease in domestic footwear sales, and that this is the reason the industry will reinforce its strategy to improve product quality and its approach to Mexican customers. SAPICA’s president also emphasized that the Mexican footwear industry is “in a state of war” which “is not going to end,” since the industry is doing what is necessary to defend itself against the threat of the arrival of Asian products once protective tariffs expire by the end of December. In this regard, Mr. González said the footwear sector will continue its agenda of negotiations with the federal government, seeking to maintain current tariffs on Chinese shoes entering Mexico, since illicit Chinese trade practices, such as dumping and state subsidies, have been repeatedly demonstrated. Also present was federal Congresswoman Norma Sánchez Romero, who stated that the federal Congress has recommended to the President that protective measures for Mexican footwear market be extended for four more years, but acknowledged that the final decision rests in the President’s hands.   SAPICA’s González said that one of the most important tools that the Mexican footwear industry can use against Asia is precisely the stimulus provided by the industry’s grand national and international event, SAPICA. He disclosed that in spite of difficult economic conditions worldwide, the goal is to sell 18 million pairs of shoes by the end of the four days of SAPICA. For his part, Alejandro Arena, president of León’s Office of Conventions and Visitors (OCV), emphasized that in the state of Guanajuato and especially in the city of León, businessmen and authorities have been able to work as a team for a common objective, the economic development of the city. He also highlighted the local highway infrastructure, tourist attractions and high-quality services that are offered to national and international visitors. He concluded by saying that SAPICA has become an icon for the city, an event that promotes business tourism, which is becoming more important every day. Eduardo Ramírez, economic director of the city of León, said that like few other events, SAPICA is a fair that distinguishes the city, and insisted that we should not lose sight of the fact that a large portion of the international footwear trade visits every six months to restock at this exhibition. Also revealed at the press conference was a small sample of the Showrooms to be exhibited at SAPICA, where outstanding Mexican designers will display their collections for Spring-Summer 2012, within a unique presentation model coordinated for the media by PROSPECTA MODA. It should be noted that the final Showroom on Saturday atSAPICA will feature the footwear collection developed by PROSPECTA MODA for the Mexican designer Guillermo León. Also during the press conference, a brief fashion show took place to present a sample of designs by CESAR YAMASAKI, LORENA SARABIA, NATALI AMKIE and ALANA SAVOIR, designers who will be present at the 65th edition of SAPICA. Rocío Acevedo, director of Business Development of the Guanajuato State Footwear Industry Chamber, which organizesSAPICA, stated during her presentation that eight important brands of footwear will exhibit their fashion collections in a new and professional format directed to the communication media. Top officials of SAPICA announced that Alicia Machado will serve as hostess of INTERNATIONAL SAPICA FASHION LEÓN, the culminating event of SAPICA, and that famed  Mexican singer-composer Marco Antonio Solís, “El Buki,” will perform as part of the activities of the fair. << Regresar