Antibiotics market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

In 2019, the antibiotics market in Italy expanded to 6 679 tons, a growth spurred by a recorded peak in consumption within the conventional pharmacology channel, which prompted authorities to enhance surveillance. The following year, market volume contracted sharply to 5 343 tons as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions significantly reduced antibiotic use in both community and hospital settings. This downward trend continued into 2021, with the market falling further to 4 374 tons, influenced by the ongoing analysis of the pandemic's impact and the early discussion of targeted therapy guidelines for resistant infections.

A strong rebound occurred in 2022, with market volume jumping to 6 198 tons. This surge was primarily driven by a reported 25% increase in antibiotic consumption compared to the 2020-2021 period, particularly among children aged 0-4 years. The market then corrected in 2023, declining to 4 985 tons, coinciding with the sustained national 'Conscious Use of Antibiotics' campaign and the wider dissemination of AIFA's recommendations for targeted therapy, which encouraged more prudent prescribing. The period concluded with a significant market expansion in 2024, reaching 8 094 tons.

Production antibiotics in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's antibiotics production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 1 389 million US dollars, showing a modest year-over-year increase of 3.4%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 23.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Italy produced 4 316 tonnes of antibiotics, reflecting a sharp reduction of 30.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 35.2%, with an average annual decline of 13.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 7.1%.

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

Exports antibiotics from Italy

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Italy's foreign antibiotics supplies reached 4 273 tonnes, marking a steep reduction of 29.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 30.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 11.4%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 0.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Austria, and the Netherlands were the principal destinations for Italy's antibiotics exports in kind. China accounted for 28.0% of exports, Austria for 13.5%, and the Netherlands for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 50.8% of total export 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

After two years of growth, Italy's antibiotics exports declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 881 million US dollars, down by 9.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 13.7%, with an annualized growth rate of 4.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 974 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 21.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Italy's antibiotics exports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 16.7% of exports, the United States for 11.2%, and China for 9.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.8% of total export value, with many smaller partners holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports antibiotics to Italy

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Italy imported 5 299 tonnes of antibiotics, marking an 18.3% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 489 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 11.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the Netherlands, and Austria were among the largest suppliers of antibiotics to Italy in kind. China accounted for 22.1% of imports, the Netherlands for 13.9%, and Austria for 11.8%. Together, they represented 47.7% of total imports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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 two years of growth, Italy's antibiotics imports declined. In 2020, imports came to 1 377 million US dollars, showing a moderate decline of 9.9% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 11.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 528 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 15.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Switzerland, and China were the primary suppliers of antibiotics to Italy in value terms. Belgium accounted for 32.4% of imports, Switzerland for 29.6%, and China for 10.5%. Together, these three countries represented 72.6% of total import value.

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

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