“Data on our export are promising and confirm the opportunities offered by the Russian market to the ‘Made in Italy’ shoe and leather goods sector”. Stated the Italian Ambassador to Moscow, Cesare Maria Ragaglini who recently participated in the 47th edition of the Obuv Mir Kozhi Fair 2017- the leading high quality footwear and leather goods expo in Russia which ended on March 24th. Each year, the fair registers a high Italian participation in both the Spring and Autumn edition. This Spring, there were 129 Italian companies (65% of the total participants). The Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association, Assocalzaturifici, with the support of the Italian Trade Agency, ICE, developed the Italian pavilion for business meetings between Russian buyers and Italian exhibitors were held. (Red)

ITALY RIGHT BEHIND CHINA

Data from the Russian Customs leading up to December 2016, show that the world exports of footwear and leather goods to Russia were respectively €2.12 billion and €555.12 million – an increase 0.04% and a decrease of 4.96% respectively over the previous year. As for shoes, the leading country is China, followed by Italy in second place with €254.45 million euro and 11.96% of the market, an increase of 15.32%. In the leather industry, the leading country remains China followed by Italy with €104.1 million and 18.75% market share, an increase of 26.18% compared to 2015.