What: China, the world’s leading producer of footwear has Vietnam right behind them in second place producing over 1 billion pairs of footwear each year.

Why it is important: New agreements between Vietnam and Europe (the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, EVFTA) have made importing easier and less costly, as well as a similar agreement with North America - The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - has boosted Vietnam's footwear exports to Canada and Mexico.

New data from Research and Markets show Vietnam's footwear exports to the EU account for the largest proportion of total exports.

Nike and Adidas have both chosen Vietnam as their main production base because of lower costs. Nike with more than 100 suppliers in Vietnam and Adidas with 98% of its own-brand footwear produced in Vietnam.

#1 leader in footwear: China or Vietnam?