Moroccan footwear industry demands action on Asian imports

Moroccan leather industry federation Fédic has said imports of shoes into the North African country from Asia are causing a slow-down in local footwear manufacture.

Fédic estimates domestic footwear consumption at around 60 million pairs per year, but says that around 75% of the total, 45 million pairs, is being imported from Asia at the moment.

Local industry leaders have called on the Moroccan government to put in place controls over the volume of imports coming specifically from China, for example by increasing the minimum price for imported shoes, fixed in 2011 at 80 dirham (less than $10). Increasing this figure to 130 dirham ($15) would be a good first step, Fédic has suggested. 

Maybe Morocco will increase the imports of shoe materials to do their footwear manufacture. Morocco alreay import a lot od cambrelle, microfiber, insole board, toe puff, synthetic leather, shoe linings & shoe fabrics, from China.