BRAVE NEW WORLD FOR MEXICAN FOOTWEAR
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show our appreciation for the quality of the products
that various states of Mexico are making. This industry is
important for Mexico. It’s part of our tradition.”
Who’s afraid?
But a former minister for social development, the
economist Dr Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, has
contributed his two pesos’ worth to the debate in
recent weeks, saying that he sees little threat to
Mexico’s footwear manufacturers from the lifting of the
tariffs. In fact, he feels strongly that Mexico can learn
and benefit from this development.
“China’s share of our footwear market is around three
million pairs a year at the moment,” he says. “This
leaves lots of scope for Mexican manufacturers. And
what I believe is that, rather than look on competition
from China as a threat, they should see it as an
opportunity for them to improve the quality and design
of the shoes they make to differentiate Mexican shoes
from cheaper imports. They need to say to the world
that they, the footwear manufacturers of Mexico,
accept the challenge presented to them, that they will
serve the needs not only of the domestic market, but
also, increasingly, export markets too.” He even thinks a
seal of guaranteed origin, like those that exist for the
finest tequila, would be a good idea for shoes too as a
sign that consumers can have confidence in a product
that manufacturers are proud of.
Increased competition from China could encourage a greater
commitment to quality and design among Mexican producers.
CREDIT: ANPIC, MEXICO