The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has announced that it is set to take a footwear trade mission to India in October, led by chairman of the Footwear Division of the association, Killick Datta. Mr Killick was born in India and as owner and chairman of GBMI (Global Brand Marketing, Inc.- Pony, Nautica, XOXO, Dry Shod, Diesel, and Mecca) sources footwear and apparel from India. The Council for Leather Exports will play host to the mission as the body which is promoting and helping the rapidly growing Indian leather industry.

Over 82% of all footwear sold in the US currently comes from China, but with the current EU anti-dumping investigations underway, American businesses are seeking alternative sources due to the punitive duties that are set to be imposed on Chinese imports. As the second largest shoe producing country in the world, it seems India could be a viable option.