Amino-resins, phenolic resins and PU market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for amino-resins, phenolic resins and polyurethanes in Italy contracted from 1 193 thousand tonnes to 868 thousand tonnes, while its value fell from USD 1 479 million to USD 1 036 million. This decline represented a significant reduction in both physical consumption and market worth over the two-year period.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, with volume rising to 1 011 thousand tonnes and value surging to USD 1 750 million. This recovery was driven by increasing demand for polyurethane in the automotive sector, supported by energy-efficiency policies and vehicle lightweighting initiatives, alongside ongoing European regulatory pressure for more sustainable production processes. Growth continued into 2022, with volume reaching 1 041 thousand tonnes and value USD 1 983 million, as the implementation of the EU CLP Regulation introduced new labeling and classification requirements, while demand from construction and automotive applications remained robust.

In 2023, market volume dropped to 923 thousand tonnes and value to USD 1 685 million, partly due to a decline in global polyurethane exports which affected Italian market dynamics. The following year saw a renewed increase to 1 038 thousand tonnes in volume and USD 1 757 million in value, as continued regulatory focus on environmental sustainability and green innovation, including further CLP monitoring, provided incentives for market expansion.

Production amino-resins, phenolic resins and PU in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 106 million US dollars, marking a substantial decrease of 22.1% compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 1 495 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase that year at 0.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 25.6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 9.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethane production in Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Italy produced 784 thousand metric tons, showing a notable reduction of 14.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 29.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.2%.

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

Exports amino-resins, phenolic resins and PU from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's exports of amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume stood at 245.8 thousand metric tons, corresponding to a modest reduction of 3.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for Italy's exports in volume terms was diverse. Germany accounted for 10.8% of exports, Turkey for 10.1%, and Spain for 5.8%, together forming 26.7% of total flows. The remaining 73.3% was distributed among many other countries.

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 exports of amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports came to 669.4 million US dollars, corresponding to a moderate decrease of 7.3% year-over-year. Exports peaked in 2018 at 843.7 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase that year at 9.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 13.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Turkey, and Spain were the largest but not dominant buyers of Italy's amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes in value terms. Germany accounted for 10.7% of exports, Turkey for 9.2%, and Spain for 5.9%, together representing 25.8% of total exports. The majority of exports went to a broad range of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports amino-resins, phenolic resins and PU to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy imported 330.4 thousand metric tons, down by 3.1% compared to 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 351.7 thousand metric tons, with the largest annual increase that year at 4.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Italy's imports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 43.5% of imports, the Netherlands for 14.6%, and Belgium for 9.1%, with a combined share of 67.2% of total flows.

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

Italy's imports of amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 599.2 million US dollars, representing a substantial decrease of 10.1% compared to 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 827.8 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase that year at 10.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 19.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.8%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 7.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium stood out as the main markets for Italy's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 44.5% of imports, the Netherlands for 15.1%, and Belgium for 10.2%, together representing 69.8% 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