Ceramic tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Italian ceramic tiles market saw notable shifts. In 2018, investments in digital printing and large slab technologies, boosted by the Industria 4.0 tax credits, supported production. However, by 2019, many manufacturers were operating at only 50% capacity, coinciding with a drop in market volume to 112.5 million m². The COVID-19 pandemic initially dampened demand in early 2020, but the market recovered in the second half thanks to renovation tax incentives that allowed credit transfer and invoice discounts, leading to a modest rise to 116.8 million m².

A sharp recovery followed in 2021, with market volume reaching 146.8 million m², driven by strong global demand and domestic renovation activity under the Superbonus 110% scheme. Growth continued into 2022, pushing volume to 185.9 million m², fueled by further investments in machinery and the Salva Casa decree, which permitted the conversion of attics and basements into livable spaces, stimulating renovation projects. However, rising energy and raw material costs, intensified by the war in Ukraine, began to pressure the sector.

In 2023, market volume increased to 219.7 million m², largely due to a 15.4% decline in exports that redirected more tiles to the domestic market, amid intense international competition and U.S. anti-dumping measures affecting trade flows. By 2024, the market contracted to 192.5 million m² as the European construction sector slowed and high energy costs, compounded by the burdensome ETS system, led to a significant drop in industry investments.

Production ceramic tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year contraction, Italy's production of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics has increased. In 2020, the output was valued at 4 984 million US dollars, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 19.3%, which equates to an annualized rate of 6.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 967 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 10.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M m²

After a two-year decline, Italy's production of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics has risen. In 2020, 385.4 million square meters were produced, marking a slight increase of 1.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 22.2%, translating to an annualized rate of 8.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 378.1 million square meters, with the largest decline also occurring in 2019 at 13.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, M m²

Exports ceramic tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics from Italy

Exports in kind, M m²

Ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics shipments from Italy to abroad declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume stood at 287.6 million square meters, reflecting a slight drop of 0.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 47.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, M m²

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the United States were among the largest buyers of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics from Italy, accounting for 17.5%, 13.0%, and 12.6% of exports in kind, respectively. However, even combined, they represented just 43.0% of total exports in kind, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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 exported 4 402 million US dollars worth of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics in 2020, with very little change compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4.3%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 395 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 4 670 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 1.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for exports in value terms was diverse. France, the United States, and Germany accounted for 16.4%, 13.4%, and 13.1% of exports in value terms, respectively, but together they formed only 42.8% of total flows. A substantial 57.2% was supplied to many other countries, highlighting the wide distribution.

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

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

Imports ceramic tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics to Italy

Imports in kind, M m²

In 2020, Italy's imports of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics amounted to 19.1 million square meters, which is 21.0% less year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 18.8 million square meters, while the highest was in 2019 at 24.2 million square meters. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 28.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, M m²

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Spain, India, and Germany stood out as the main markets for imports in kind, representing 40.6%, 12.3%, and 10.2% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they accounted for 63.1% of total 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

After a two-year advance, Italy's imports of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics declined. In 2020, imports reached 177 million US dollars, down by 6.8% over the past year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 190 million US dollars, with the largest increase also occurring in 2019 at 8.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and India were the main suppliers of ceramic tiles, mosaics, and finishing ceramics to Italy, accounting for 46.2%, 11.9%, and 8.2% of imports in value terms, respectively. Together, they comprised 66.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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