Labor Shortages Hold Back Colombian Footwear

The Colombian Association of Footwear, Leather, and Leather Goods (ACICAM) predicts that despite a strong performance in 2022, labor shortages will hinder the footwear industry in 2023.

According to ACICAM, the number of pairs of shoes produced by Colombian shoe manufacturers between January and October 2022 reached 50 million, an increase of 20.4% from the previous year. Additionally, exports increased by 40.3% in the first ten months of the year, reaching US$34.1 million.

Production is anticipated to be slowed down by cost increases and inflation, according to William Parrado, Director of Economic Research at ACICAM. He added: “Additionally, there is a labor shortage because it is difficult to find qualified workers.”

A shortage of 30,000 workers is thought to exist in Colombia’s footwear sector, which currently employs about 83,000 people. This number rises to 125,000 when leather and leather goods are included.

Reference: https://internationalleathermaker.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/11927/Labour_shortages_hold_back_Colombian_footwear.html