Candles and tapers market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for candles and tapers saw considerable variation in physical volume from 2018 to 2024, with market size reaching 48 thousand tonnes in 2021, falling to 36.7 thousand tonnes in 2023, and rebounding to 46.5 thousand tonnes in 2024. In value terms, the market contracted from 213 million dollars in 2018 to 130 million dollars in 2021, then expanded consistently to 175 million dollars by the end of the period.

Regulatory developments and cost pressures were key drivers. The introduction of mandatory EU UFI labeling for scented candles from January 2021 required producers to update safety data sheets and labels, coinciding with a market volume increase to 48 thousand tonnes that year. In 2022, volatility in prices for wax, fragrance oils, and wicks, causing supply swings of 10-25%, squeezed margins and accelerated a shift toward premium, sustainable, and wellness-oriented products, which lifted the market value to 151 million dollars despite a lower volume. By 2024, the market was anchored by long-standing manufacturers and stringent ongoing regulations on wick safety, fragrance composition, and labeling, supporting the volume recovery to 46.5 thousand tonnes.

The move toward higher-quality and sustainable candles, fueled by raw material cost fluctuations and consumer interest in well-being, helped strengthen market value in the later years, even as physical consumption levels fluctuated.

Production candles and tapers in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of candles and tapers declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 141.0 million US dollars, marking a significant year-over-year decrease of 15.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 193.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 45.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, Italy's production volume of candles and tapers fell. In 2020, 35,003 tonnes were produced, down 20.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 19.5%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 6.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 44,193 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 23.2%.

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

Exports candles and tapers from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of candles and tapers declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments abroad reached 15,562 tonnes, reflecting a 12.8% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 32.3%, with an average annual decline of 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of candles and tapers were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. France accounted for 14.9% of exports in volume, Greece for 14.7%, and the United Kingdom for 12.0%. Together, these three countries made up just 41.6% 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

Italy's exports of candles and tapers in value terms fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 41,146 thousand US dollars, down 11.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 18.7%, with an average annual decline of 6.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of Italy's candle and taper exports in value terms was highly diversified. The United Kingdom accounted for 13.4% of export value, France for 13.3%, and Greece for 9.3%. Combined, these three countries represented only 36.0% of total flows, with the remaining 64.0% spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports candles and tapers to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of candles and tapers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 20,117 tonnes, a decrease of 4.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 23.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 8.4%. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 27,231 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 4.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 23.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, China, and Germany were the main sources of Italy's candle and taper imports in volume. Poland accounted for 32.8% of imports, China for 26.4%, and Germany for 13.2%. Together, these three countries absorbed 72.5% of total import 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, K $ US

Italy's imports of candles and tapers in value terms dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 58,980 thousand US dollars, down 4.7% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.3%, with an annualized decline of 5.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 69,963 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 1.7%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 11.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, China, Poland, and Germany formed the primary group of sources for Italy's candle and taper imports in value terms. China accounted for 23.7% of import value, Poland for 22.9%, and Germany for 10.9%. Together, they represented 57.6% 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