$120 Million Share of Shoe Exports; 700 Brands to Attend Footwear Exhibition

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a press conference on the occasion of the Second International Footwear Industry Exhibition, to be held under the slogan “Let’s Grow Together” from January 12 to 15 at Shahr-e Aftab Exhibition Center, Javad Shabanzadeh expressed hope that holding the exhibition and expanding professional interactions would help boost export figures by the end of the year.

He said Iranian footwear is currently exported to 34 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, several regional states, and a number of African countries.

Shabanzadeh stressed the need to improve quality and competitiveness of Iranian footwear compared to foreign products, noting that the main objective of holding the exhibition is to focus on the footwear value chain, enhance the position of Iran’s footwear industry, meet market demands, and strengthen competitiveness with other countries.

He added that around 70,000 invitations have been sent to specialized industry stakeholders in order to identify footwear sellers, traders, and manufacturers nationwide. He also noted that foreign participation has increased in this edition of the exhibition, with about 13 foreign companies in attendance.

According to Shabanzadeh, Iranian footwear manufacturers have shown strong interest in participating in the exhibition; however, executive constraints and capacity limitations mean that full coverage of domestic exhibitors is expected to be achieved next year.

He said that despite existing challenges, footwear producers and distributors continue their activities with determination, adding that nine previous editions of the exhibition were held in Qom Province, while this year marks the second time the event is being held in Tehran.

Referring to recent developments, Shabanzadeh noted that during the 12-day conflict, the footwear industry lost one worker who was employed at a production workshop.

Addressing challenges facing the industry, Shabanzadeh described shortages of raw materials as one of the most serious problems. He explained that the footwear industry serves as a driving force for nearly 70 other industries, as footwear production involves more than 3,100 different raw material items and components, ranging from plastic slippers to high-end leather shoes, using both domestic and imported materials of varying weights and categories.

He criticized current foreign exchange repatriation requirements imposed on footwear exporters, warning that discrepancies between official exchange rates and market rates encourage corruption. He expressed hope that new policymaking by the Central Bank would help revitalize exports in the sector and pave the way for 30 percent growth in footwear exports in 1405 (2026/27).

Shabanzadeh also pointed to the issue of smuggling, saying imbalances and shortages in foreign currency supply contribute to increased smuggling. Nevertheless, he noted that over the past three years, the entry of young and creative producers has helped revive domestic fashion and branding, with many footwear brands now operating under Iranian names and reducing reliance on foreign brands.

He emphasized that the footwear industry is among the least water-intensive sectors and one of the most employment-generating industries, employing around 500,000 people nationwide, making it the second-largest employment-generating industry in the country and strategically important for the government.

According to him, sustained efforts by industry stakeholders have helped consolidate Iranian footwear branding and restore the “Made in Iran” shoe label to its rightful position.

In the same event, Abbas Taghaddosi-Nejad, CEO of Shahr-e Aftab Exhibition Center, said Iran produces around 270 million pairs of shoes annually. He put the global footwear industry’s turnover at $450 billion in 2025, adding that it is projected to rise to $550 billion in 2026.

He noted that the footwear industry became industrialized in the 18th and 19th centuries and has a long historical background in Iran as well, with renowned brands such as Tabriz leather products. He said manufacturers participating in this year’s exhibition will showcase their latest achievements.

Referring to challenges faced by guilds and market traders, Taghaddosi-Nejad expressed hope that continued follow-up by officials would lead to meaningful economic and commercial reforms in the coming year and help reduce pressures on businesses.

Highlighting the historic role of merchants and guilds in supporting the country, he said that during the eight-year war, much of the financial burden was borne by traders and guild members, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the Islamic Republic. He expressed hope that future developments would ease their difficulties, noting that improvements in their conditions would directly impact the country’s overall economic performance.