SWOT analysis of Indian footwear industry

[Neo]

STRENGTHS: -
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Existence of more than sufficient productive capacity in tanning.
Easy availability of low cost of labour.
Exposure to export markets.
Managements with business background become quality and environment
conscious.
Presence of qualified leather technologists in the field.
Comfortable availability of raw materials and other inputs.
Massive institutional support for technical services, designing,
manpower development and marketing.
Exporter-friendly government policies.
Tax incentives on machinery by Government.
Well-established linkages with buyers in EU and USA.

WEAKNESSES: -
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Low level of modernisation and upgradation of technology, and the
integration of developed technology is very slow.
Low level of labour productivity due to inadequate formal training /
unskilled labour.
Horizontal growth of tanneries.
Less number of organised product manufacturers.
Lack of modern finishing facilities for leather.
Highly unhygienic environment.
Unawareness of international standards by many players as maximum
number of leather industries are SMEs.
Difficulties in accessing to testing, designing and technical
services.
Environmental problems.
Non availability of quality footwear components
Lack of fresh investment in the sector.
Uneconomical size of manufacturing units.
Competition among units vying for export orders leading to
undercutting.
Little brand image.
Poor labour productivity. Lack of awareness about consistent in
plant training and retraining- Inconsistent quality high rejection
rate
Low machine and material productivity.
Lack of quality job work units
Delayed deliveries
Weak support infra- structure for exports


OPPORTUNITIES: -
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Abundant scope to supply finished leather to multinationals setting up
shop in India.
Growing fashion consciousness globally.
Use of information technology and decision support software to help
eliminate the length of the production cycle for different products
Product diversification - There is lot of scope for diversification
into other products, namely, leather garments, goods etc.
Growing international and domestic markets.
Exposure to newer markets through Fairs/ BSMs
Retain customers through quality supplies and timely deliveries
Aim to present the customer with new designs, infrastructure, country
& company profiles.
Use of modern technology
Exhibit strengths in manufacturing, for example, strengths in classic
shoe manufacturing, hand crafting etc.
De-reservation of the footwear sector.


THREATS: -
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Entry of multinationals in domestic market.
Stiff competition from other countries.(The performance of global
competitors in leather and leather products indicates that there are
at least 5 countries viz, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and
Brazil, which are more competitive than India.)
Non- tariff barriers - Developing countries are resorting to more and
more non – tariff barriers indirectly.
Improving quality to adapt the stricter international standards.
Fast changing fashion trends are difficult to adapt for the Indian
leather industries.
Limited scope for mobilising funds through private placements and
public issues, as many businesses are family-owned.