The footwear sector in the Netherlands experienced fluctuations in hours worked from 2013 to 2023, peaking in 2014 and displaying a gradual decline afterward. In 2023, the hours worked stood at 965.67 thousand hours, marking a year-on-year decrease of 1.04%. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2019 to 2023 was -1.28%. The forecasted period from 2024 to 2028 shows a continuing downward trend with a five-year CAGR of -0.83% and an expected decline to 916.59 thousand hours by 2028.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of automation and digitalization on labor requirements, potential shifts in consumer demand for sustainable footwear, and the economic implications of global supply chain disruptions.
