Footwear and leather polishes market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for footwear and leather polishes in Lithuania experienced significant volatility between 2018 and 2024. Volume contracted sharply from 137.6 t in 2018 to a low of 58.8 t in 2020, before entering a sustained recovery that brought it to 120.7 t by 2024.

This movement was driven by opposing trends in domestic production and foreign trade. Local manufacturing declined consistently from 15.1 t to 5.1 t, while import volumes fluctuated between 139.0 t and 204.1 t. The market's low point in 2020 coincided with reduced imports of 147.9 t, and its subsequent growth was supported by higher import levels, particularly in 2022 and 2023.

For 2025, import and export volumes stand at 170.8 t and 39.2 t respectively. During this year, authorities announced that stricter rules on cosmetic composition will take effect from May 2026, requiring clearer ingredient labelling and formulation reviews for skin-care products. Consumer trends in the cosmetic market also increasingly favor natural, sustainable, and personalised products.

Production footwear and leather polishes in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, $ US

Following a two-year decline, footwear and leather polishes production in Lithuania has rebounded. In 2021, output reached 69 810 US dollars, marking a 10.6% year-over-year increase. However, over the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 21.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 63 116 US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 17.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

After a two-year decrease, Lithuania's footwear and leather polishes production has shown growth. In 2021, the country produced 10 558 kilograms, reflecting a 2.7% rise compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, overall production declined by 29.9%, averaging an 11.2% annual decrease. The minimum output was in 2020 at 10 282 kilograms, with the steepest decline of 20.4% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Exports footwear and leather polishes from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

Footwear and leather polishes exports from Lithuania have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports stood at 88.4 tonnes, down 11.1% from the prior year. Despite this recent drop, exports increased by 8.4% over the 2018-2021 period, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The peak was in 2019 at 105.6 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 29.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's exports in kind were highly concentrated, with Russia and Latvia dominating the market. Together, these two countries accounted for 82.9% of total export flows, while other partners held minimal shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of footwear and leather polishes from Lithuania have declined for two consecutive years. In 2021, export volume totaled 1 115 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 2.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 span, exports grew by 9.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 292 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 27.2%, while 2020 experienced the steepest decline of 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Russia and Latvia served as the core markets for Lithuania's exports in value terms, jointly making up 82.5% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Lithuania in value, 2018-2021

Imports footwear and leather polishes to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

Lithuania's imports of footwear and leather polishes have decreased for the third year running. In 2021, imports were recorded at 139.0 tonnes, representing a 6.0% drop from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 31.9%, with an average annual decline of 12.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Turkey, and Poland remained the primary suppliers of footwear and leather polishes to Lithuania in kind. Germany accounted for 37.6% of imports, Turkey for 12.8%, and Poland for 12.0%, together forming 62.4% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of footwear and leather polishes imports into Lithuania has declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, imports totaled 1 627 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate contraction of 3.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 26.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Poland, and France were the main suppliers of footwear and leather polishes to Lithuania in value terms. Germany held 36.8% of imports, Poland 16.6%, and France 16.3%, collectively comprising 69.7% of total imports in value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Lithuania in value, 2018-2021