Bangladesh’s exports of non-leather footwear have witnessed a sustained growth over the past five years.

Moreover, due to global supply chain volatility amid higher tariff pressure on China, US buyers have also shown fresh interest in Bangladesh›s non-leather footwear, according to industry insiders.

According to the data from the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh exported non-leather footwear worth $522.59 million in the financial year 2024-25, which was $416.83 million in FY24.

The earnings from the non-leather footwear sector were $384.51 million in FY23, $449.15 million in FY22, $344.46 million in FY21, and $277 million in FY20.

In the first three months (July-September) of the current FY26, the sector garnered $130.3 million, according to the EPB data.

According to data from the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, at least three Chinese companies and a South Korean company have signed agreements in recent times to invest in producing shoe accessories, shoes, and other footwear items in Bangladesh.

‘The sector is potential, but we still lack proper technology to grab the market. China is way ahead of any producing countries,’ said Tipu Sultan, chairman of Bengal Leather Complex Ltd.

He also said that some Chinese farms have invested in Bangladesh through collaboration, and Bangladeshi manufacturers have the opportunity to adopt technology from them.

‘Our readymade garment sector developed through this model. The non-leather sector has also the raw materials gap as the entire raw materials need to import from China,’ he added.

According to the manufacturers, Europe remains the largest destination, accounting for almost 90 per cent of synthetic shoe exports, along with other destinations such as India and Japan.

Moreover, exports to the US were also increasing, as evidenced by a 74.1 per cent growth to $209.61 million in the first seven months of 2025, according to Otexa data.

Maf Shoes Ltd is one of the largest non-leather footwear exporters of the country, which exports to countries like France, Spain, Japan, Brazil, and other EU countries.

Talking to New Age, Hasnat Md Abu Obida, managing director of Maf Shoes, said that the export is on a positive trend, which is a good sign for them.

‘Due to the evolving trade environment and tariff issues, sourcing and development houses from China are shifting to other destinations, including Bangladesh,’ he added.

However, if Bangladesh graduated from the LDC status, exports and investment would decrease.

‘We are not ready to graduate from the LDC as our backward linkage is not so strong. The investors might shift to other countries after the graduation,’ he added.

Abu Obida, also the director of the Leathergoods Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh, stated that Bangladesh still lacks FTAs or PTAs; graduating from LDC status would be challenging for the country.

He also emphasised the need for an investment-friendly environment, explaining that in the country, an investor typically requires at least 40 licenses and must visit other ministries, while it takes 30 days to bring raw materials from China.

‘In Vietnam or India, the procedure could be completed within a day or even hours,’ he added, saying that fiscal supports like tax holidays and a dedicated export zone would also attract both local and foreign investments.

According to the insiders, Bangladesh primarily manufactures for small European brands, including Neemans, Decathlon, Kappa, H&M, Fila, and some US brands like Target, Reebok, Walmart, Steve Madden, and others.

‘We should focus on top brands like Adidas, Nike, and Skechers,’ said Tipu Sulatn, adding that in this regard, they need to upgrade technology.

He also said that the investment from China is coming, but Bangladesh needs to learn something from them.

‘Collaboration and joint ventures could help Bangladesh in technology gaining,’ he added, saying that Bangladesh has an opportunity to grab.

Exporters remained convinced that Bangladesh is on the brink of a new growth phase in non-leather footwear and synthetic leather, as the investment is also coming.

According to BEPZA data, Chinese companies YiXin Bangladesh Company Ltd, Dunion Taiyang Sheng Shoes (BD) Co Ltd, and Gold Emperor (BD) Ltd have signed agreements with the state agency to invest approximately $28 million in the BEPZA Economic Zone and Karnaphuli EPZ for the production of accessories and footwear.

Moreover, Giant BD Synthetic Co Ltd, a South Korean company, will invest $8.62 million in BEPZA EZ to produce PU synthetic leather.