Carded or combed cotton market in Italy, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian carded or combed cotton market entered a downward trend from 2018, influenced by evolving consumer demand for sustainable and natural fibers alongside rising competition from cheaper synthetic alternatives. Broader EU agricultural policies, which expanded cotton cultivation areas, altered raw material dynamics, while early regulatory steps like Italy's 2020 leather labeling decree signaled tightening standards for adjacent industries.

Regulatory pressure intensified between 2021 and 2023 with the EU's strategy for circular textiles and national preparations for Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, increasing compliance costs for producers. The market downturn accelerated sharply in 2023 when the Italian textile sector entered a crisis, marked by falling revenues and a rise in bankruptcies. That same year, the commitment of a key player, Premier Textiles, to the Better Cotton Initiative highlighted the industry's strategic pivot towards sustainability amid challenging conditions.

In 2024, the decline continued as the overall textile sector in Italy contracted by 6.1%, pressured by trade tensions, financial defaults, and enduring shifts in consumer preferences. Concurrently, new legislative measures, including a future ban on destroying unsold apparel and the startup of an integrated textile recycling plant, reinforced the transition towards a circular economy, requiring further adaptation from market participants.

Production carded or combed cotton in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's carded or combed cotton production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 144.2 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate year-over-year decrease of 6.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 36.9%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 14.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy's carded or combed cotton production has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy produced 50,458 tonnes, marking a notable year-over-year loss of 13.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 7.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.5%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 82,426 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 51.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 29.6%.

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

Exports carded or combed cotton from Italy

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, Italy's carded or combed cotton exports declined. In 2020, Italy exported 1,114 tonnes, representing an abrupt year-over-year decrease of 27.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1,543 tonnes, while the largest increase of 28.4% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of carded or combed cotton in kind had a wide market base. Brazil accounted for 24.5% of exports, Ukraine for 8.0%, and Algeria for 5.7%, together making up 38.2% of total flows. The remaining 61.8% was distributed among numerous 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, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Italy's foreign supplies of carded or combed cotton declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 5.286 million US dollars, down by 18.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 20%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6.494 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 25.0% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy supplied carded or combed cotton to a broad set of markets in value terms. Brazil accounted for 22.8% of exports, Ukraine for 7.0%, and Romania for 6.9%, together representing 36.7% of total exports. The remaining 63.3% was formed by many smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports carded or combed cotton to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of carded or combed cotton in kind showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 495 tonnes, with the largest decline of 71.6% occurring in 2018. From this low in 2019 to the high in 2017, import volumes varied by 5.1 times. In 2020, Italy imported 743 tonnes, marking a steep year-over-year gain of 50.1% compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the largest supplier of carded or combed cotton to Italy in kind, accounting for 28.2% of imports. Slovenia followed with 22.2%, and Poland with 11.6%. Together, these three countries formed 62.0% of total imports in kind.

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

After a two-year drop, Italy's imports of carded or combed cotton from abroad increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 3.098 million US dollars, which is 35.6% stronger relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 69%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 32.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2.284 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 64.8% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the main destination in the geographical breakdown of Italy's imports of carded or combed cotton in value terms, accounting for 28.9%. Slovenia followed with 20.5%, and Poland with 12.2%. Together, these three countries had a combined share of 61.5% 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