Couromoda, International Shoes, Sportsgoods and Leathergoods Fair presenting autumn/winter shoe collections of Brazilian factories began on January 16 in São Paulo, with over 3,000 brands on show - representing 90% of the shoe industry.

Last year, the footwear sector generated export revenues of $1.88 billion but, however, the volume of shipments fell to 189 million pairs against 212 million in 2004.