Agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets and strip, tiles and solid cylinders and discs market in Italy, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018 and 2019, the Italian market for agglomerated cork was supported by rising demand from the wine sector, fueled by a broader industry shift from natural to more affordable agglomerated corks. Major European players invested heavily in molding machinery, increasing demand for cork granules and contributing to a market volume of 32 075 tons in 2019.

Market volume dipped to 28 904 tons in 2020 amid production consolidation in Portugal and expansion into China, which affected the cork value chain in Italy. By 2021, volume recovered to 30 211 tons as agglomerated cork found growing use in insulation panels, flooring, and cladding driven by sustainable construction and interior design trends across Europe.

Technological innovations improved dimensional stability and acoustic properties of agglomerated cork in 2022, aligning with Italian consumer preferences for natural materials. However, in 2023 the market contracted to 24 548 tons as stricter EU labeling and sustainability certification requirements for cork products introduced new compliance costs and affected commercial operations.

Production agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, solid cylinders and discs in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's output of agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, and solid cylinders and discs was valued at 186.6 million US dollars, marking a 6.3% increase from 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy produced 18,570 tonnes of agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, and solid cylinders and discs in 2020, representing a sharp decline of 22.9% compared to the previous year.

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

Exports agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, solid cylinders and discs from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, and solid cylinders and discs fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, the export volume was 1,145 tonnes, down 20.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 21.7%, averaging an annual decline of 7.8%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 1,532 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United States, and France were the top buyers of Italy's agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, and solid cylinders and discs in volume terms. China accounted for 31.4% of exports, the United States for 17.0%, and France for 14.9%, with their combined share reaching 63.3% of total exports.

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

After two years of growth, Italy's exports of agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, and solid cylinders and discs in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 13.9 million US dollars, a significant drop of 17.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 2.4%, averaging an annual growth of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 16.8 million US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 22.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, China, France, and the United States remained the key partners for Italy's exports in value terms. China accounted for 20.0% of exports, France for 19.9%, and the United States for 18.8%, together making up 58.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, solid cylinders and discs to Italy

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Italy's imports of agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, and solid cylinders and discs in volume terms rose. In 2020, imports totaled 9,427 tonnes, a significant increase of 21.8% from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 9,427 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 12.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal and Spain dominated Italy's imports in volume terms, together accounting for 82.4% of total flows, while other destinations contributed smaller shares individually.

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

In 2020, Italy's imports of agglomerated cork blocks, plates, sheets, strip, tiles, and solid cylinders and discs in value terms reached 108.9 million US dollars, up 27.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 20.2%, averaging an annual growth of 6.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 85.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 14.9%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Portugal and Spain consistently accounted for 81.2% of Italy's total imports in value terms, showing a high concentration of supply, with a range of smaller markets making up the remainder.

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

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