Cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes and sections market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for cold-formed steel angles, shapes and sections experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. Production volume fell from 1 551 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 091 thousand tons in 2020, before recovering to 1 305 thousand tons in 2021. Similarly, market size in physical terms dropped to 1 025 thousand tons in 2020, then rose to 1 227 thousand tons in 2021. In value terms, the market shrank to $415.6 million in 2020 but rebounded to $553.8 million in 2021.

From 2022, the market faced a shifting landscape. Steel prices in Italy peaked in May 2022 before entering a sustained decline of over 30% by mid-2024. This price movement coincided with a drop in European steel production and the extension of EU safeguard measures against Asian imports. In 2022, these factors contributed to a lower physical market size of 1 115 thousand tons, though the market value rose to $606.9 million due to the high earlier prices. The following year saw weak demand, influenced by high energy costs and the ongoing transition to decarbonization, which kept pressure on the sector. Despite a slight volume increase to 1 165 thousand tons in 2023, market value rose to $752.5 million. In 2024, production difficulties at the Taranto site and a broader decline in steel output led to a further contraction, with market size falling to 1 056 thousand tons valued at $614.5 million, amid continued price decreases and economic uncertainty.

Production cold-formed angles and shapes in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Italy, the production value of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections reached 517.7 million US dollars in 2020, marking a significant decline of 31.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 34.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 13.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 5.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output stood at 1,091 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 23.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 21.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.7%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 1,551 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 11.7%.

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

Exports cold-formed angles and shapes from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Italy's exports of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections declined. In 2020, the export volume was 78,608 tonnes, down by 9.1% from 2019. The highest level was reached in 2019 at 86,457 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Austria were the key partners for Italy's exports of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections in volume terms. France accounted for 47.3% of exports, Germany for 13.0%, and Austria for 5.5%, collectively representing 65.8% of total 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 exports of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 123.8 million US dollars, an 8.8% decrease from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 148.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 20.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France, Germany, and Austria played leading roles in Italy's exports of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections in value terms. France contributed 44.4% of exports, Germany 12.8%, and Austria 4.3%, together accounting for 61.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cold-formed angles and shapes to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume was 13,856 tonnes, showing a steep decrease of 32.0% compared to the prior year. The maximum was recorded in 2018 at 20,383 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 51.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Poland accounted for the largest share of Italy's imports of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections in volume terms. Germany represented 41.3% of imports, Austria 17.6%, and Poland 13.3%, together comprising 72.2% 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

Italy's imports of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 21.7 million US dollars, down by 23.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The peak was in 2018 at 32.1 million US dollars, which also recorded the largest increase of 56.2%.

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

In 2017–2020, Germany, Austria, and Belgium were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Italy's imports of cold-formed or cold-finished iron or non-alloy steel angles, shapes, and sections in value terms. Germany accounted for 46.2% of imports, Austria for 13.4%, and Belgium for 12.3%, with a combined share of 71.9% 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