Adidas to Nike: Global footwear majors put best foot forward in Tamil Nadu

Several global non-leather footwear brands, including Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, and Reebok, are increasingly focusing on Tamil Nadu as a key manufacturing hub. With India heavily reliant on imports for its footwear supply, more than six international suppliers are establishing operations in the state as part of their "China Plus One" strategy. Kothari Industrial Corporation has partnered with the Tamil Nadu government to support this growing ecosystem and introduce 19 raw material suppliers from countries such as Taiwan, Vietnam, China, and Portugal. This initiative is expected to attract an investment of Rs 4,000 crore (US$ 477.90 million) and create approximately 50,000 jobs.

Among the new entrants is Taiwanese company Dean Shoes, which recently had its manufacturing unit foundation stone laid by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin in Ariyalur, with a proposed investment of Rs 1,000 crore (US$ 119.47 million) and the potential to generate 50,000 jobs. Other notable manufacturers, such as Pou Chen Corporation and Hong Fu Industrial Group, are also setting up units in the state. Tamil Nadu's favourable footwear policy and its status as home to over 32% of India's footwear manufacturing sector have made it an attractive destination for global companies. The Indian footwear market, currently valued at US$ 26 billion, is projected to grow to US$ 90 billion by 2030, with Tamil Nadu poised to capture a significant share, particularly in the non-leather segment.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.