Compressors for refrigerating equipment market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for compressors used in refrigerating equipment began a significant transition in 2018, driven by the initial implementation of the EU F-Gas Regulation which set progressive HFC quotas and rising electricity costs that pushed manufacturers toward high-efficiency models. This regulatory pressure intensified in 2019 with the publication of new Ecodesign and energy labeling rules for commercial refrigeration, requiring future compliance. However, this adaptation phase was interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp contraction, as companies delayed new refrigeration expansion projects and prioritized maintenance and upgrades of existing systems.

A strong recovery commenced in 2021, directly fueled by the entry into force of the Ecodesign Lot 12 and Energy-Labelling 2021 requirements, which mandated minimum energy efficiency indices for compressors in commercial appliances. This regulatory driver was reinforced in 2022 by a tightening of F-Gas quotas that blocked new installations using high-GWP HFC refrigerants like R404A, forcing manufacturers to introduce and customers to adopt compressors optimized for natural refrigerants such as propane (R290).

The market stabilized at a high level in 2023 and continued growing in 2024, supported by continuous product innovation from major players responding to regulatory demands. In 2023, Nidec/Embraco launched a new compressor platform for the European market, and Bitzer introduced scroll compressors optimized for R290. The trend continued in 2024 with the enactment of the new EU F-Gas Regulation, which further reduced HFC quotas, prompting companies like Dorin to announce advanced CO₂ compressors and Secop to phase out older models in favor of more efficient, low-GWP compatible units.

Production compressors for refrigerating equipment in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of compressors for refrigerating equipment declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 116.2 million US dollars, representing a dramatic 37.5% reduction compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 54.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -23.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Italy's production of compressors for refrigerating equipment declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 1.899 million units were produced, indicating a significant 22.4% fall relative to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 53.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -22.5%.

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

Exports compressors for refrigerating equipment from Italy

Exports in kind, K unit

Italy's exports of compressors for refrigerating equipment declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 2.270 million units, constituting a robust 16.5% decrease from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 54.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -23.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Italy's exports in kind were Hungary, Turkey, and Germany. Together, they accounted for 51.1% 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 exports of compressors for refrigerating equipment declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 196.0 million US dollars, indicating an 8.1% decline versus the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 40%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -15.7%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. France (11.4% of exports), Germany (9.9%), and Turkey (9.6%) jointly accounted for only 30.9% 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 compressors for refrigerating equipment to Italy

Imports in kind, K unit

Italy's imports of compressors for refrigerating equipment declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 5.203 million units, corresponding to a solid 13.7% contraction from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 6.630 million units, with the largest increase of 0.6% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

In 2017 to 2020, China (29.7% of imports in kind), Slovakia (14.4%), and Germany (13.1%) formed the main cluster of markets for Italy's imports, with a combined share of 57.2% 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 compressors for refrigerating equipment declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 412.7 million US dollars, reflecting a 6.1% decline from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 496.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 11.4% in 2019 and the largest increase of 5.8% in 2018.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of Italy's imports in value terms remained scattered. Germany (21.8% of imports), China (14.3%), and Japan (13.5%) together accounted for just 49.5% of total flows, with no single partner standing out as clearly dominant.

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

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