Durban, KZN, SA – The recent imposition of a 30% tariff by the United States on select imports, including leather and footwear products, marks a significant obstacle for South African exporters. Coupled with ongoing political uncertainty at home, this development threatens to undermine hard-won progress in expanding global market access for South Africa’s leather and footwear industries.

Political instability has complicated logistical planning, policy consistency, and investor confidence—issues that directly impact our ability to export efficiently and competitively. At a time when global buyers seek reliability, predictability, and quality, these domestic challenges cast a long shadow over our ambitions.

Yet, amid these adversities, our resolve remains unshaken. South Africa continues to offer exceptional craftsmanship, competitive capabilities, and abundant raw material resources—attributes that make us a natural hub for global sourcing. More than ever, we are doubling down on promotion efforts, engaging international stakeholders, and reaffirming our message: South Africa is open for business and rich with opportunity.

We are steadfast in our efforts to position South Africa as a world-class sourcing destination for leather and footwear. This includes enhancing our visibility at international trade platforms, deepening partnerships, and working collaboratively across the value chain to improve resilience and capacity.

In the face of rising tariffs and internal headwinds, our message to the global market is clear: we are not stepping back. We are stepping up. 

Puma global last week reported a 2% sales decline in its preliminary second quarter 2025 results, citing “the implications from U.S. tariffs”, exchange rates, and sales declines in its major markets.

Puma Sports SA MD Luke Barrett-Smith said the local economy was poor, but that “Puma ZA results don’t mirror global, and currently we have a different trajectory”.

He said local sourcing had “not been affected”. 

According to recent reports, the local brand holder of the footwear brand Enrico Coveri last month lost an appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) against an importer bringing in genuine, Italian-made Enrico Coveri footwear.

Brand holder Yossi Barel had argued that the footwear imported by Popular Trading cc was counterfeit.

In a split decision, the SCA ruled that authentic designer goods cannot be classified as counterfeit, even if imported without the local trademark holder’s permission.

This has implications for parallel or grey imports.

A more detailed report will be carried in the July issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods, out on Friday. 

David Maisey, former Jordan Shoes Eastern Cape agent, died on 10 July, aged 80, in the UK, after a long illness. An obituary will follow in the July issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods, out on Friday. 

Benoni, Gauteng, SA – As school wear specialists, we can definitely feel that people are struggling.

For term 3, in terms of sportswear, we’re selling mostly cricket and hockey apparel and equipment, and the sales are definitely a bit down on last year.