Shoe soles and heels imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported shoe soles and heels worth $11.3 million (676 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 12% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $11.3M | 677 t |
| 2023 | $10.1M | 512 t |
| 2022 | $10.2M | 588 t |
| 2021 | $7.2M | 370 t |
| 2020 | $6.9M | 652 t |
| 2019 | $7.8M | 861 t |
| 2018 | $8.2M | 573 t |
| 2017 | $8.8M | 667 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports shoe soles and heels from
China alone supplied 63% of it. Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+65% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.1M | 63% |
| Italy | $1.9M | 17% |
| Spain | $541K | 4.8% |
| Czech Republic | $340K | 3% |
| India | $311K | 2.8% |
| Poland | $272K | 2.4% |
| France | $257K | 2.3% |
| Portugal | $130K | 1.2% |
| United States | $82K | 0.7% |
| Germany | $77K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $16.73 per kg, 117% above the world average of $7.72. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Shoe soles and heels exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported shoe soles and heels worth $1.4 million (92 tonnes). Most of it went to United States (26%), Spain (24%), Japan (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Cambodia grew fastest (+689% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $369K | 26% |
| Spain | $343K | 24% |
| Japan | $190K | 13% |
| Canada | $98K | 6.9% |
| Indonesia | $85K | 6% |
| India | $43K | 3% |
| Ireland | $38K | 2.7% |
| Portugal | $28K | 2% |
| Cambodia | $22K | 1.6% |
| Vietnam | $18K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom shoe soles and heels imports (HS 6406.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 6406.20: Footwear: parts, outer soles and heels, of rubber or plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of shoe soles and heels imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported shoe soles and heels worth $11.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 676 tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 185 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply shoe soles and heels to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 63% of the value ($7.1 million), followed by Italy (17%) and Spain (5%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 34 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 65% on the year.
What is the average import price of shoe soles and heels per kg?
The average declared import value was about $16.73 per kg in 2024, 117% above the world average of $7.72 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of shoe soles and heels to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.8 million in 2017 to $11.3 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $8.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export shoe soles and heels?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Spain and Japan. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $9.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for shoe soles and heels?
The HS code for shoe soles and heels is subheading 6406.20. It sits in HS chapter 64 (footwear; gaiters and the like; parts of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6406 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World shoe soles and heels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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