As 2025 comes to an end, CICEG reaffirms the commitment to the protection of jobs and strengthening of the domestic industry Employment and instal
As 2025 comes to an end, CICEG reaffirms the commitment to the protection of jobs and strengthening of the domestic industry
Employment and installed production capacity show signs of recovery in the sector
Leon/Gto News
Despite a challenging economic and trade landscape, the leather-footwear-leather goods industry in Guanajuato is showing signs of recovery, particularly in employment and production capacity, according to the sector’s latest performance indicators.
The Chamber of the Footwear Industry of the State of Guanajuato (CICEG) reported a shift in the trend, noting the creation of 256 new jobs between September and October.
“While the rebound is modest, it represents the first job recovery we have seen in many years,” said Juan Carlos Cashat Usabiaga, President of CICEG, during the year-end press conference. “We will remain vigilant regarding ‘triangulation’ (Asian footwear imports through third countries) and double-labeling practices, which could present significant challenges and cause employment to stagnate or decline again.”
On the production front, the industry’s installed capacity saw a cumulative increase of 7% between April and July 2025, followed by an additional 1.5% growth from August to September. This reflects an increased use of infrastructure and a gradual reactivation of industrial activity.
Regarding foreign trade, the data reveals a demanding environment with signs of structural adjustment.
Footwear exports from January to September 2025 totaled:
- 26.5 million pairs
- With a value exceeding $682 million
- The average export price rose by 29.4%
- Signaling a strategic shift toward higher value-added products
While total imports remain high -exceeding 141 million pairs in the same nine-month period- there has been significant progress in combating unfair trade practices.
Footwear imports from China subject to definitive countervailing duties plummeted by 81% in September 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. This reduction, representing approximately 5.2 million pairs, resulted from measures championed by CICEG with the support of CONCAMIN and the three levels of government.
These indicators, combined with the implementation of countervailing duties, tariffs, updated estimated prices, the exclusion of finished footwear from the IMMEX Program, and customs reforms, point toward a gradual sector recovery in 2026.
Under a vision focused on competitiveness and export-driven prosperity, CICEG consolidated key results through its 2025 strategic programs:
- Consultancy: Over 150 companies benefited from specialized consulting and international networking
- SAPICA: The trade fair strengthened its position as a premier business hub for thousands of domestic and international buyers
- Shoes From Mexico: This brand boosted the presence of local firms at international trade fairs
- Digitalization: Significant strides were made in business digitalization, expanding access to eCommerce tools and specialized digital platforms
“These are the areas where we achieved decisive victories this year. We are not yet where we want to be, and we still have a lot of work to do, but we are working tirelessly as a team to ensure a leveled playing field,” said Cashat Usabiaga.
CICEG reiterated its commitment to work alongside authorities and strategic allies to protect the more than 100,000 families dependent on the national industry, fostering conditions for sustainable, long-term growth and the productive transformation of the footwear sector in Guanajuato and Mexico.
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