Bangladesh, Sept. 16 -- Bangladesh's footwear industry is starting to benefit from a shift in global trade triggered by higher US tariffs on China, with exporters betting they can turn the opening into a multibillion-dollar expansion.

Exports of both leather and non-leather footwear are rising, while China, long the dominant supplier to the US market, is losing ground.

Industry players say Bangladesh could lift export earnings from the sector to $5 billion within two years if persistent energy shortages are resolved and the government provides the policy support needed to expand production.

The latest data point in that direction.

Bangladesh earned $258.45 million from leather and non-leather footwear exports in July and August, the ...