This Tuesday, August 13, the 91st edition of the Leather and Footwear Trade Fair (Sapica), the most important event in the sector in Latin America, was inaugurated by local government officials in the city of León Guanajuato, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Sapica brings together more than 2,000 national and international buyers and brands in the footwear and leather goods industry. The event is a public policy priority for the state's economy, given that this industry represents 70% of national production.

For his part, the president of the National Chamber of the Footwear Industry (CICEG) and the National Chamber of the Footwear Industry (CANAICAL), Mauricio Blas Battaglia Velazquez, indicated that since September of last year, the industry has experienced a decrease of 18.5% in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and around 15% in employment. The negative impact is due to illegal competition from the Chinese industry and smuggling.

Alejandro Malagón Barragán, president of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin), also addressed concerns about unfair trade practices.

“We are greatly outraged by the damage caused by imports under conditions of illegal competition, mainly from China. We firmly reject trade practices based on unfair and illegal competition and work to protect domestic production and employment,” the executive added.

He mentioned the measures taken, such as the imposition of 35% tariffs on certain footwear products and the strengthening of customs controls to combat smuggling and dumping.

He also stressed the importance of moving towards an industry 5.0, where automation and a focus on human talent are key to strengthening brands and adapting to new consumers and distribution channels.