The year 2025 has been a dynamic and transformative period for Footwear Exchange. With a strong focus on knowledge-research, sector engagement, and industry development, the organization continued to expand its contributions to Bangladesh’s leather and footwear sector. Throughout the year, Footwear Exchange introduced new initiatives, strengthened its publications, conducted meaningful research, and created platforms that connected professionals, students, manufacturers, and stakeholders across the value chain. From insightful newsletters and sector surveys to impactful events, awards, and youth-led programs, 2025 stands as a year of progress, collaboration, and renewed commitment. This Year in Review highlights the milestones and achievements that shaped our journey forward.
Footwear Exchange – 2025 Year in Review
1.A Year That Began with Footprint:
Footwear Exchange welcomed the new year by launching its monthly e-newsletter Footprint. Throughout the year, the newsletter evolved into a trusted information source for the industry. Each issue presented updated monthly export data, year-on-year comparisons, and detailed breakdowns of leather, leather products, leather footwear, and non-leather footwear exports. Alongside data, Footprint celebrated significant international days related to the leather and footwear sector and highlighted key monthly developments shaping the industry. With insightful content and consistent publication, the newsletter helped readers stay informed and connected.
Another major achievement of the year was the introduction of the Bangladesh Leather & Footwear Sector Business Service Survey. The initiative received impressive participation from manufacturers, exporters, traders, and service providers across the sector. The final published report offered a clear picture of the current business situation, turnover expectations, projected pricing trends for 2025, and possible investment opportunities. It also revealed the biggest challenges perceived by industry players, making it a valuable reference for businesses planning their next steps.
Footwear Exchange also published a focused analytical report titled “US Tariff: A Blow or an Opportunity for Bangladesh’s Leather and Footwear Industry.” The report examined the evolving US tariff structure and its implications for Bangladeshi exporters, highlighting potential risks, cost pressures, and compliance challenges, while also identifying emerging opportunities for market repositioning, product diversification, and strategic sourcing in the global value chain.
Footwear Exchange strengthened its publishing presence with the release of four quarterly magazines. The year began with the publication of Q4 (Oct–Dec 2024). This was followed by the Q1 edition, which highlighted the rise of molded EVA footwear manufacturing in Bangladesh—a development that signals a significant transformation in the industry.
Footwear Exchange strengthened its publishing presence with the release of four quarterly magazines. The year began with the publication of Q4 (Oct–Dec 2024). This was followed by the Q1 edition, which highlighted the rise of molded EVA footwear manufacturing in Bangladesh—a development that signals a significant transformation in the industry.
The Q2 issue focused on the National Leather Day theme and shared insights from the roundtable discussions. The Q3 magazine continued the momentum by presenting current trends, expert opinions, and timely updates relevant to stakeholders across the value chain.
A major highlight of the year was the launch of the Campus Ambassador Program by Footwear Exchange. Through this initiative, fourteen talented campus ambassadors were selected from different universities and academic disciplines across Bangladesh. The program was designed to create a strong connection between students and the leather and footwear industry, encouraging knowledge sharing, industry exposure, and leadership development among future professionals.
Footwear Exchange celebrated International Leather Day by collaborating with DTIEWTPCL to organize a special roundtable discussion titled “Bangladesh Leather – Beyond the Surface: Exploring the Truth, Challenge, and Future.” The session was presided over by Golam Shahnewaz, Managing Director of DTIEWTPCL, with Md. Shaheen Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA), attending as Chief Guest. The event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and young participants to discuss current challenges and future opportunities of the sector. The inception of the Q1 magazine was also announced during the program, adding further significance to the celebration.
Footwear Exchange arranged Campus ambassadors’ orientation programme and their group visit to CETP to introduce the selected ambassadors to the practical and operational aspects of the leather industry. As part of the programme, FE allowing participants to gain first-hand exposure to environmental management, wastewater treatment processes, and compliance practices within the tannery cluster.
Throughout the year, Footwear Exchange continued to play a central role in supporting the industry through research and data-driven insights. The organization conducted several studies focusing on footwear operations, supply chain dynamics, export performance, merchandising practices, tariff structures, and overall business and operational trends. A number of these research findings were published through Leather & Footwear BIZ, helping industry members make informed decisions. In addition to research, Footwear Exchange actively promoted backward linkage companies, ensuring they received wider visibility and recognition within the sector.
Footwear Exchange marked its presence at Leathertech fair 2025 at ICCB in December 4-5-6 with an active and engaging stall. Throughout the event, the team welcomed visitors, industry professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. The participation allowed the organization to showcase its initiatives, publications, and research activities, while also strengthening connections with existing and potential collaborators.
Awards were presented in categories such as sustainability, operational efficiency, backward linkage development, and emerging changemakers, reflecting Footwear Exchange’s commitment to recognizing innovation, responsibility, and positive transformation within the industry
