The role of internationalization, exports and domestic market in the fashion economy: the Brazilian footwear industry case

Ítalo José de Medeiros Dantas; Marcelo Curth; Jefferson Marlon  Monticelli

doi:10.5965/1982615x18452025e0014

Authors

Ítalo José de Medeiros Dantas Universidade Feevale https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0710-6142
Marcelo Curth Universidade Feevale https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9361-8373
Jefferson Marlon Monticelli Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1605-7090

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5965/1982615x18452025e0014

Keywords:

brazilian footwear industry, iInternationalization, exports, post-pandemic economy, domestic market

Abstract

This study aims to identify the main themes and subthemes that characterize the economic dimension of the Brazilian footwear sector between January 2022 and December 2023, as well as the results, challenges and trends of the industry. Using a qualitative approach with thematic-categorical content analysis, 21 monthly reports from the Brazilian Footwear Industry Association (Abicalçados) were analyzed. The findings highlight the importance of internationalization and exports for the competitiveness of the sector. Companies with diversified strategies better face the challenges of globalization, changing consumer preferences and technological advances. Trends such as innovation in design and technology and challenges such as Asian competition and logistical issues were identified. This study combines empirical data from sectoral reports with academic theories, offering an interdisciplinary analysis of the economic transformations in the Brazilian footwear sector in the post-pandemic period. Practical implications include recommendations for companies to adopt effective internationalization strategies, innovation in design and technology, and cooperation through clusters to increase competitiveness. The study also suggests to policymakers the importance of supporting the industry with incentives and public policies that promote sustainability and innovation.

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Author Biographies

Ítalo José de Medeiros Dantas, Universidade Feevale

PhD student in Cultural Processes and Expressions at Feevale University. He has a master's degree in Design from UFCG and a degree in Fashion Design from IFRN. Between 2022 and 2023 he was a substitute professor in the area of management processes and quality control in the clothing industry at IFRN - Caicó Campus.

Marcelo Curth, Universidade Feevale

Holds a PhD in Administration from the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), a Master's in Administration and Business from the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), a Postgraduate Degree in Administration and Marketing from the Gama Filho University, a Postgraduate Degree in Education from Faculdade (SENAC-RS) and a postgraduate degree in Mentoring Teacher Education (University of Tampere - Finland) and a degree in Sports Science from the Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA). He is a professor of the PPG in Cultural Processes and Manifestations at Feevale University.

Jefferson Marlon Monticelli, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Assistant Professor Level II at the Graduate Program in Business Administration at the School of Management and Business at the Universidade Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos). Member of the research group GLOBAL (Group of Studies in Strategy, Management and International Business at UNISINOS), Educational Management in different contexts (at the Universidade La Salle) and GEPEDER (Group of Studies and Research in Regional Development at the Universidade de Cruz Alta). Post-Doctorate in Administration from the School of Business Administration of São Paulo (FGV EAESP). PhD and Master in Administration from the Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos). MBA in Corporate Finance from the Fundação Getúlio Vargas and MBA in Controllership and Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Foreign Trade from the Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos).

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