As the United States tightens tariffs on Chinese goods, global manufacturers are racing to reposition production closer to North America. Mexico, with its long-standing trade advantages under the USMCA, should be one of the biggest winners — particularly in the footwear sector. Yet, despite the favorable conditions, the country’s shoe industry is struggling to seize the moment.
According to data from the Mexican Footwear Chamber (CICEG), exports of Mexican shoes to the U.S. have grown only 2% so far in 2025, far below the 15% regional increase seen in competitors like Vietnam and Indonesia. Industry experts say outdated production models, limited digital adoption, and persistent corruption in customs procedures are holding Mexican producers back.
“Mexico has a golden opportunity to replace Asian suppliers in the U.S. market, but the sector hasn’t modernized fast enough,” said Luis Gerardo González, president of CICEG. “We continue to face structural inefficiencies that reduce competitiveness.”
The U.S. remains Mexico’s largest footwear export destination, representing 85% of total foreign sales, particularly for leather and safety shoes made in Guanajuato. However, the country still depends heavily on imported components from Asia — a factor that limits scalability and reduces profit margins.
Meanwhile, the USMCA’s local content rules could give Mexican manufacturers an advantage if they increase domestic sourcing. Analysts at Banco BASE note that nearshoring trends could bring up to $1.5 billion in new footwear investments by 2030 — if Mexico can improve infrastructure and regulatory transparency.
“The problem isn’t lack of demand, it’s lack of vision,” said economist Verónica Ruiz from ITESO University. “Companies are afraid to innovate, and the government hasn’t created incentives to formalize or digitize production chains.”
As global supply chains continue to shift, the coming year may determine whether Mexico’s footwear industry steps up — or misses yet another chance to walk ahead of its rivals.As global supply chains continue to shift, the coming year may determine whether Mexico’s footwear industry steps up — or misses yet another chance to walk ahead of its rivals.As global supply chains continue to shift, the coming year may determine whether Mexico’s footwear industry steps up — or misses yet another chance to walk ahead of its rivals.
