Pakistan's footwear exports posted modest growth in the first seven months of FY2025-26, but the underlying trend reveals a sharp shift in product composition, with traditional segments declining and newer categories driving the expansion.

According to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, footwear exports increased by 3.51 percent to $113.269 million during July-January, compared with $109.432 million in the same period last year. The overall gain, however, masks divergent performance across product lines.

Leather footwear, historically the backbone of the sector, recorded a decline of 2.55 percent, falling to $83.622 million. Canvas footwear experienced an even steeper contraction, plunging 52.04 percent to just $0.888 million, indicating a significant loss of momentum in these categories.

By contrast, exports of 'other footwear' surged by 32.09 percent to $28.759 million, emerging as the primary driver of growth. This category has increasingly offset the downturn in traditional segments, reshaping the sector's export profile.

Recent monthly data suggests a partial rebound. In January 2026, footwear shipments rose by 10.46 percent year-on-year to $20.656 million, up from $18.701 million in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, exports also increased by 9.79 percent from December levels.

Within January's figures, the divergence persisted. Leather footwear exports rose modestly by 2.28 percent year-on-year, while 'other footwear' climbed sharply by 38.13 percent. In contrast, canvas footwear continued its decline, dropping 70.52 percent compared to the same month last year.

Month-on-month comparisons further highlight shifting dynamics. While overall exports increased, leather and canvas segments fell slightly and sharply, respectively, whereas 'other footwear' expanded by 56.28 percent, reinforcing its growing importance.

The data points to a gradual transformation within Pakistan's footwear export sector. Although total shipments have edged upward, the erosion in established categories and reliance on alternative products suggest structural changes that may redefine the industry's competitive landscape.