Bolivian footwear manufacturers have complained that imports from neighbouring Peru, as well as those from China, are harming their businesses.

Sources reported that imported shoes from Peru are 40% cheaper than locally made footwear, while those from China cost around 70% less.

Some local footwear manufacturer complained about footwear from China and Peru taking the market away from them, and their shoes are not even made of real leather.

Bolivia’s trade deficit with China is widening. Last year it exported goods worth $330 million to China (mostly minerals and wood), but imported products with a value of $937 million. It imported, from all sources, footwear worth $21million last year, up from $15 million in 2010, according to government figures.