Asphalt paving mixtures and blocks market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian asphalt paving mixtures market from 2018 onward was shaped by regulatory shifts aimed at sustainability, particularly Ministerial Decree 69/2018 which reclassified milled asphalt from waste to a permanent reusable material. This policy fostered circular economy practices, encouraging producers to incorporate higher recycled content, supported by certifications like UNI PdR 88. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced market volume to 15.6 million metric tons as lockdowns disrupted construction activity and demand.

A strong recovery followed in 2021, with volume rebounding to 18.3 million metric tons, driven by substantial public infrastructure investments from ANAS and the widespread adoption of recycled asphalt pavement technologies. Innovative additives such as BITROAD N/R Plus enabled higher recycled content, while warm-mix processes lowered production temperatures. Despite a drop in physical volume to 16.6 million metric tons in 2022, the market's value rose to $1.1 billion, reflecting increased material costs and a continued focus on value-added, sustainable products.

The market contracted sharply in 2023, with volume nearly halving to 9.8 million metric tons, before partially recovering to 11.5 million metric tons in 2024.

Production asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 800.7 million US dollars, marking a 4.8% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.3%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 849.4 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 16.0% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production volume of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 15 620 thousand tonnes, showing a significant decline of 14.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 16%, averaging a 5.1% annual growth rate. The peak volume was reached in 2018 at 18 330 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year surge of 36.1% also recorded that year.

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

Exports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Italy

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy exported 14 915 tonnes of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, representing a significant contraction of 15.4% from 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 19 637 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 211.3% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria were the core markets for Italy's exports in kind. Slovenia accounted for 27.4% of exports, Croatia for 24.1%, and Austria for 16.6%. Together, these three countries represented 68.1% 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, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Italy's exports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks amounted to 6 997 thousand US dollars, constituting a loss of 29.8% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 10 076 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 125.8% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria were the main destinations for Italy's exports in value terms. Croatia absorbed 21.7% of exports, Slovenia 15.3%, and Austria 13.4%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 50.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Italy

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.7-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Italy imported approximately 3 592 tonnes of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, reflecting an abrupt increase of 26.9% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 831 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 10 347 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 72.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 192.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Germany, and Europe, not elsewhere specified, were the main suppliers of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Italy. Switzerland contributed 37.6% of imports in kind, Germany 18.9%, and Europe, not elsewhere specified 17.4%. Together, these sources formed 73.9% of total imports.

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, K $ US

Italy's imports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 4 543 thousand US dollars worth of these products, constituting a robust uptick of 21.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 678 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 32.4% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the United States remained the leading sources in Italy's import structure by value. Germany accounted for 32.0% of imports, Belgium for 16.3%, and the United States for 13.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 61.9% of total import flows.

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

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