JAGARAN CHAKMA

Amid global supply chain volatility and higher tariff pressure on China, US buyers are showing fresh interest in Bangladesh’s non-leather footwear and synthetic leather products.

Industry insiders say the shift, though triggered by short-term import duty disruption, could open a long-term window for Bangladeshi exporters aiming to widen their global footprint.

For local non-leather footwear manufacturers, Europe remains the biggest destination, taking almost 90 percent of synthetic shoe exports.

While the US share is still small, companies such as RFL Group, Bling Shoes, Shoeniverse Footwear and Jennys Shoes reported a stable rise in American orders.

The companies say buyers are being drawn by the country’s growing capacity and competitive costs.

The synthetic leather footwear industry has grown rapidly, more than doubling exports in seven years. This segment earned $523 million in fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, up from $244 million in FY2017-18.

Synthetic shoes are becoming more popular globally than leather for comfort and style. Besides, synthetic materials are less expensive to produce than real leather, making synthetic footwear more accessible to a wider consumer base.

Yet short-term strains amid the US tariff uncertainty on synthetic items are visible. Shipments fell to $42 million in August from $45 million a year earlier, a 7 percent drop.

Domestic manufacturers blame shipment delays and aggressive discounting by Chinese rivals, who diverted excess stock to Europe after losing ground in the US.

“Several consignments to the US were postponed because of uncertainty over reciprocal tariffs. That threw our production schedules off balance,” said Hasanuzzaman Hassan, chairman of Bling Shoes.

He said that it may take up to three months to restore regular flows.

Hassan said, “US buyers are coming back with bulk orders. That shows a long-term shift in sourcing is happening.”

He pointed to American footwear brand Wolverine as an early returner after Washington imposed a total 47 percent tariff on Chinese footwear.

For Shoeniverse Footwear, which has manufacturing units in Tongi and Bhaluka, the European market still dominates.