2021 Forecast - Equator: Unpredictable is the only predictable
Published: 10th Dec 2020
New Germany, KZN, SA - The only thing we can bank on is that the market will remain unpredictable. What we have seen is that SA retail is more stable (to date) than developed markets like US/UK and Australia. The Netherlands is experiencing the biggest drop in Bricks ‘n Mortar sales from what we see, where they predict (once Government Covid-related aid for small retail stops) that up to 40% of independents will close. This is hastened there by the huge swing to online (it had been a highly penetrated online market even pre-covid).
This article s part of a feature set of articles that were published in S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine Vol83 No11 November 2020
- 2021 Forecast for the South African Footwear & Leather Goods IndustryAt the end of 2020 we asked various businesses operating within the footwear and leather goods industry for their 2021 forecast for the sector. ...more
Footwear Industry Articles
- Elan-Polo SA launches sneaker range made largely from recycled materials
Cape Town, W. Cape, SA – Elan-Polo SA MD Stuart Worrall has launched a sneaker range made largely from recycled materials.The Green T range – currently 5 styles selling online for R1400 – have uppers and linings made entirely from recycled polyester/PET, insoles with 85% recycled PU content, and outsoles with 35% recycle ...moreU.S. footwear industry unites again to oppose crushing tariffs
On 29 April 2025, more than 70 major footwear companies — including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Puma, and Crocs — signed a joint letter to President Donald Trump, urgently requesting that footwear be removed from the list of products subject to new reciprocal tariffs. These companies warned that the added tariff burden poses a ser ...moreBoat shoes: Sales finally climbing in the US, but local suppliers say there’s no uptick here
Under the headline “Boat shoes sales up for first time in 10 years — one year after fashion declared the style’s comeback”, Footwear News this month reported that boat shoe sales finally seeing an increase, “albeit a fraction of where the category once was in the 2010s”. ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- European Commission Confirms Country Risk Classification in preparation for EUDR
Ahead of the legal deadline of 30th June 2025, the European Commission has adopted the Implementing Act on the Country Benchmarking System under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective from 22nd May 2025. This regulatory step is a pivotal development in the EU’s ongoing environmental strategy, aiming to curb deforestation linked to commodity imports. ...moreAfrican Merino: Severe electricity, water breakdowns, ‘but we’re carrying on’
Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, SA – Wool-on sheepskin tannery African Merino Trading is playing catch-up following 30 consecutive days without water, and 75 days since January during which they either had no water and/or no electricity, preventing production.“Since we stopped exporting and downsized 8 years ago, we’ve been p ...moreEthiopia’s Modjo Leather Manufacturing Hub aims to boost exports
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (12 April 2025) – The Modjo state-of-the art leather manufacturing facility and a renovated satellite laboratory are intended to spearhead Ethiopia's leather industry and foster sustainable employment opportunities.The project is a collaborative initiative, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by t ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- WHO targets 15 countries for elimination of sleeping sickness by 2030
A project is underway to eradicate ‘neglected tropical diseases’ (NTDs) in Africa.Among them is sleeping sickness, also known as nagana in domestic and wild animals.Sleeping sickness, known medically as human African trypanosomiasis, is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by infected tsetse flies, and is endemic in sub-S ...moreLengthy detentions: That’s just the way it is, says NCCS&V Protect asked the National Consumer Commission to comment on Treadsafe’s experience, and also whether other containers have been detained. Jabu Mbeje, Divisional Head: Enforcement & Legal Services, at the NCC, sent this response: ...moreSwitch to updated standard: Footwear suppliers given time limit to run out old stockPretoria, Gauteng, SA – Safety footwear suppliers have until April 2026 to sell stock made to the 2014 edition of SA National Standard (SANS) 20345.The National Regulator for Compulsory Standards (NRCS) confirmed this at a stakeholder meeting on 11 March.The SA National Standard (SANS) for safety footwear in South Africa was upgrade ...more
© S&V Publications
