How TN Strode the Non-Leather Footwear Space

For years, China was the epicentre of global footwear manufacturing, producing nearly 72% of the world's shoes in 2016.

- Madhavan N

CHENNAI: From Nike to Adidas, Puma, Crocs, and New Balance, virtually every major brand relied on China for production. But today, a fundamental shift is underway.

The trade war under Donald Trump, followed by pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions, forced manufacturers to reduce their reliance on China. Rising labor costs and mounting geopolitical tensions over Taiwan further reinforced the need for diversification. Vietnam was the first to benefit, with its share of global footwear exports rising from 12% in 2016 to 16% in 2021, as companies adopted the China+1 strategy.