Cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Italian market for cellulose and its chemical derivatives grew consistently in volume, from 37,288 t to 63,316 t. This expansion was primarily driven by rising demand for sustainable materials as alternatives to plastic, reinforced by stricter bans on single-use plastics in Italy and the EU. Environmental awareness and regulatory pressure encouraged industries to adopt cellulose-based solutions for packaging, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, while increased demand from the pharmaceutical sector for microcrystalline cellulose also supported market growth.

Domestic production jumped to 21,854 t in 2019, likely fueled by strategic collaborations between paper producers and chemical companies to develop specialized cellulose products like microfibrillated cellulose. However, production later declined, while imports rose sharply until 2021 to meet growing consumption. The market benefited from continuous innovation, including green chemical processes for dissolving pulp and increased research into nanocellulose for advanced applications in food, packaging, and medical sectors.

After 2021, import volumes began to decline, reaching 47,264 t by 2024, as Italian and European policies further tightened standards for regenerated cellulose fibers and promoted sustainable production practices. The ongoing shift toward biodegradable and compostable materials, along with stronger labeling and traceability regulations, helped consolidate the market around eco-friendly cellulose derivatives for various industrial uses.

Production cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's production of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms was valued at 48 546 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a 9.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 8.1%, with an average annual growth rate of -2.8%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2018 at 41 511 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 53 711 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 21.4%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2019 with growth of 29.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Italy produced 20 616 tonnes of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms, which is 5.7% less than in 2019. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 845 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 21 854 tonnes. The most substantial decline took place in 2018 with a decrease of 31.5%, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 with growth of 57.8%.

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

Exports cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms stood at 19 213 tonnes in 2020, showing a significant contraction of 13.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 10.5%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 175 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 10.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's exports of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms were relatively evenly distributed among various partners. Germany accounted for 11.7% of export volumes, Spain for 8.7%, and Russia for 5.7%, with these three countries together representing only 26.1% 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, M $ US

Italy's cross-border shipments of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 55.9 million US dollars, down by 2.9% compared to 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 58.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 3.4%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany, Russia, and Spain were important buyers of Italy's cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms. Germany accounted for 11.8% of export value, Russia for 8.2%, and Spain for 5.6%. However, their combined share reached only 25.6% of total export value, with the remaining 74.4% distributed among numerous other trading 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 cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's import volume of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy imported 53 750 tonnes, marking a rise of 13.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 11.7%, with an average annual increase of 3.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 43 568 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the United States played leading roles in Italy's imports of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms. Germany accounted for 36.1% of import volumes, Belgium for 13.4%, and the United States for 6.7%. Together, these three countries represented 56.1% 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, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's imports of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms were valued at 183.1 million US dollars, showing a moderate decline of 8.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3.9%, equating to an average annual rate of -1.3%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 201.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands formed the main cluster of markets for Italy's imports of cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms by value. Germany accounted for 35.4% of import value, Belgium for 14.2%, and the Netherlands for 9.5%. Their combined share reached 59.1% 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