## Iran’s Footwear Export Industry: Current Status and Future Opportunities

Iran’s footwear export industry is a sector with significant potential, marked by increasing production and a strategic focus on leveraging local resources. The country is emerging as a notable exporter, with a particular emphasis on polyurethane (PU) based footwear, and aims to expand its global presence[1].

### Current Export Overview
– **Export Value**: In the year leading up to March, Iran’s shoe exports reached $156 million[1]. However, the actual figures may be higher due to sales in local currencies to neighboring countries like Iraq[1].
– **Key Products**: A significant portion of Iran’s footwear exports includes products using Iranian-made PU shoe soles, which are sold to major markets like Turkey[1].
– **Production Volume**: Iran produces up to 270 million pairs of shoes annually[1]. While international estimates may vary, the country aspires to increase output to 400 million pairs, potentially positioning it as the 9th largest shoe producer globally[1].
– **Local Material Production**: Iran has significantly reduced its reliance on imported raw materials by increasing local production of PU, saving up to $300 million in hard currency spending per year[1].

### Key Export Destinations
While specific destinations beyond neighboring countries are not detailed in the search results, the emphasis on markets like Turkey indicates a focus on regions that value Iranian-made PU shoe soles[1].

### Challenges and Opportunities
– **Unrecorded Exports**: A considerable amount of exports are not officially recorded, suggesting a need for better tracking and formalization of trade activities[1].
– **Market Growth**: The footwear market in Iran is projected to grow, with revenue in 2025 estimated at US$2,367.0 million[5]. Experts predict an annual growth rate of 3.29% from 2025-2029[5].
– **Exhibition Participation**: Events like the Iran MPEX exhibition facilitate connections between Iranian manufacturers and international partners, showcasing the latest industry developments and fostering new business relationships[4].

### Strategic Initiatives
– **Increased PU Production**: The surge in local PU production has not only reduced import costs but also positioned Iran as a PU exporter[1].
– **Exhibition Focus**: The Iran International Exhibition of Footwear, Bag Leather, and Related Industries (Iran MPEX) is an important event for introducing Iranian and foreign factories, companies, and workshops[4]. It aims to present capabilities, transfer technologies, establish business relationships, and encourage investment and employment[4].

### Future Outlook
Iran’s footwear export industry is poised for growth, driven by increased local production of key materials like PU and strategic participation in international exhibitions. By addressing the challenges of unrecorded exports and continuing to innovate in production, Iran can strengthen its position in the global footwear market.

Citations:
[1] https://en.mehrnews.com/news/219958/Surge-in-PU-output-helped-Iran-become-shoe-exporter
[2] https://tradingeconomics.com/iran/exports/azerbaijan
[3] https://www.findiniran.com
[4] https://irantradefair.com/iran-mpex/
[5] https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/footwear/iran
[6] https://tradingeconomics.com/iran/exports/footwear-gaiters-like
[7] https://www.statista.com/outlook/emo/fashion/footwear/iran
[8] https://www.indexbox.io/store/iran-footwear-with-uppers-of-leather-market-analysis-forecast-size-trends-and-insights-1/

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