Additives for cements, mortars, concretes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for cement additives expanded from 248 thousand tons in 2018 to 260 thousand tons in 2019, supported by capacity increases and product line expansions from major players. Companies like DRACO broadened their specialized solutions for concrete, while Mapei invested in developing low-environmental-impact additives and production automation, enhancing market supply. A slight contraction to 256 thousand tons occurred in 2020, though innovation continued with new superplasticizers and setting accelerators introduced to meet performance and sustainability demands.

Market volume fell sharply to 211 thousand tons in 2021, a year characterized by growing demand for eco-compatible and high-performance additives, as seen with new chloride-free accelerators and products improving workability. This trend toward specialized, regulated products laid groundwork for a robust recovery. In 2022, the market surged to 264 thousand tons, driven by the introduction of sustainable concrete solutions incorporating recycled materials and by stricter Italian and EU labeling and traceability regulations, which stimulated demand for compliant additives.

Following the 2022 peak, the market volume declined to 200 thousand tons in 2023 before showing a modest recovery to 208 thousand tons in 2024. This period completed a cycle where innovation and regulatory shifts were key influences on market size over the seven-year span.

Production additives for cements, mortars, concretes in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's production of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes was valued at 294.7 million US dollars, marking a modest decline of 5.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 17.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 290.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 18.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Italy produced 334.5 thousand tonnes of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes, showing relative stability compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 26.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 333.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 26.5%. Meanwhile, 2019 had the largest increase of 0.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports additives for cements, mortars, concretes from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's exports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 94.2 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 2.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 7.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 105.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.4%. In 2019, exports experienced the largest decline of 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 8.7% of exports in kind, France for 6.3%, and Poland for 5.3%, with these three countries together representing just 20.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Italy's cross-border shipments of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 106.2 million US dollars, which is 3.2% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 124.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 12.5%. In 2019, exports experienced the largest decline of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The country composition of Italy's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Germany accounted for 11.0% of exports in value terms, France for 6.1%, and Poland for 5.1%, with these three countries together forming just 22.2% of total flows. The remaining 77.8% was split among a wide range of other destinations.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports additives for cements, mortars, concretes to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's imports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes amounted to 15.9 thousand tonnes, representing a significant decline of 26.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 21.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Germany, and Romania were the leading suppliers of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes to Italy. Austria accounted for 32.2% of imports in kind, Germany for 24.4%, and Romania for 9.7%, jointly taking 66.4% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year increase, Italy's cross-border shipments of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes declined. In 2020, imports tallied 21.7 million US dollars, representing a 19.8% year-over-year decline. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 27.1 million US dollars. In 2018, imports saw the largest increase of 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Spain were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Italy's imports in value terms for additives for cements, mortars, and concretes. Germany accounted for 38.1% of imports in value terms, Austria for 18.0%, and Spain for 7.2%, with a combined share of 63.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020