The US will become Italy’s top market for footwear exports by 2022, according to Confidustria, the General Confederation of Italian Industry, reports Leatherbiz. It is currently the fourth biggest in terms of exports, but these are predicted to grow 43% in value to €1.7 billion in five years. “The US has always been an important but complex market, fluctuating and closely linked to price dynamics,” said Selina Ferretti, in charge of the North American market for footwear association Assocalzaturifici.

“In spite of this current phase, this market is not yielding outstanding results for Made in Italy products. However, many companies are having a good run, receiving large orders; and not just the high-end brands but also the mid-range and little-known brands, which have managed to produce a product that is right for the market and have the right contacts, agents and distributors.”