Ferreira also emphasized optimism regarding the United States, following rumors about a possible return of import tariffs to 30%. “Yesterday, I spoke with Minister Márcio Elias (MDIC), who is responsible for negotiations with the United States government, and he reassured us that this tariff should not be implemented,” he said. “The continuation of the 10% global tariff keeps us competitive in the North American market, which is the main destination for Brazilian footwear abroad,” he explained.

Predatory footwear imports pose challenges to the industry
The Abicalçados executive also addressed the main challenges faced by the domestic footwear industry, highlighting predatory footwear imports—especially from Asia—and the end of the so-called “small parcels tax exemption.” “Over the past five years, footwear imports have increased by more than 90%, with a significant inflow of Asian products at unfair prices, as production costs there are not comparable to those we face here. Last year, imports rose by more than 20% in pairs, reaching the highest level in the historical series, which began in 1997,” he noted. According to him, the upward trend continues in 2026. In the first four months of the year, imports increased by 19% compared to the same period last year (to more than 19.6 million pairs). From China alone, 8.3 million pairs entered Brazil (a 29% increase compared to 2025).

“The ‘small parcels tax exemption’ is another major challenge and is likely to further increase predatory imports, as it exempts from import duties products that already arrive here at much lower prices due to significantly lower production costs, since most Asian manufacturers do not take into account labor rights and sustainability practices. But we are not the ones in the wrong—they are,” the executive emphasized, adding that Abicalçados is working to reverse the measure in the National Congress. “If maintained, the measure will impact more than 54,000 jobs across the footwear production chain,” he warned.

The biggest footwear trade show in Latin America
Following that, the CEO of NürnbergMesse Brasil, João Paulo Picolo, spoke about the figures of the 6th edition of BFSHOW. “In about three years, the trade show has already established itself as the main meeting point for the industry in Latin America and an important market thermometer. BFSHOW represents the productive strength, creativity, and innovation capacity of the Brazilian industry, bringing together manufacturers, buyers, and industry professionals in an environment focused on generating business and strengthening strategic connections,” he emphasized.

In this edition, BFSHOW brings together around 350 Brazilian brands showcasing collections, launches, and competitive advantages to more than 12,000 buyers, over 1,200 of whom come from 60 countries.

Internationalization efforts gain momentum
Floriano Pesaro, Corporate Management Director at the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), highlighted the agency’s support for the trade show, as in partnership with Abicalçados and BFSHOW itself, it brought more than 160 international buyers to the event through the Buyer Project. “We recently renewed the agreement for the Brazilian Footwear program—the export promotion program maintained by ApexBrasil in partnership with Abicalçados—for the next two years. Investment in the initiatives exceeds R$45 million, the highest level in the past 20 years,” he said.

Also speaking at the press conference were Tamiris Pereira Aberani, Planning Analyst at Sebrae/SP; Andrea Kohlrausch, President of Bibi; Manuela Roese, Head of the Bag & Shoes Business Unit at Lança Perfume; Thomas Simon, CEO of Grupo S2; and Wilson Cintra Junior, Managing Partner at Perlatto Calçados.